The 2008–2009 Leonard Bernstein: American Icon Festival is the fifth initiative in the ESO’s multi-year Exploring Our American Voice project presented to the greater Chicago community. A series of concerts and humanities programs will begin in the early spring and culminate in May. This year the ESO examines the life and works of one of the beloved American composer, conductor and teacher, Leonard Bernstein. From West Side Story to Candide and beyind, Bernstein believed that classical music is a reflection of the American spirit and should be accessible to everyone. That belief lives on in this year's festival.

As in previous years, the grand finale of this year's festival will be the Classics series concerts held on May 1, 2, & 3, 2009 in a program featuring the ESO's own Isabella Lippi and the timeless West Side Story. Other festival events will include chamber recitals, children’s concerts and visits to area schools by ESO musicians.

Bernstein     Overture to Candide
Bernstein     Serenade
Bernstein     Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

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