Legacy of Leonard Bernstein Educates, Inspires

On January 10 and 11, Jamie Bernstein, daughter of legendary American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, visited Cranbrook Schools for two days of academic presentations with students from all divisions. She also spent an evening with parents, grandparents, and other members of the Cranbrook community in a program that included musical accompaniment by renowned Detroit musician Alvin Waddles.

 

An author, narrator, director, broadcaster, and filmmaker, Bernstein’s presentations focused on the lessons of her father’s remarkable legacy as composer, conductor, educator, and humanitarian. She engaged students as young as grade 2 on topics that included the role of music in society and the idea of the “Citizen Artist.”

 

In the spring of 1946, Leonard Bernstein himself spent three weeks at Cranbrook at the invitation of Zoltan Sepeshy, Head of Cranbrook Academy of Art’s Painting Department (and later its Director).

 

Ms. Bernstein’s visit coincides closely with the release of Maestro, the 2023 biographical movie that centers on the relationship between her father Leonard Bernstein and mother Felicia Montealegre. The film was based in part on her own memoir, Famous Father Girl.

 

In addition to engaging with students and adults, she toured Cranbrook Art Museum and Saarinen House, Eliel Saarinen’s Art Deco masterwork located in the Art Academy district of Cranbrook Educational Community. As her visit concluded, Jamie expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received, and enthusiasm for a return visit to Cranbrook Schools.