Mar

19 2019

Leonard Bernstein

10:30AM - 11:30AM  

JCC of Middlesex County 1775 Oak Tree Road
Edison, NJ 08820
732.494.3232 shorwitz@jccmc.org
http://www.jccmc.org

Contact Sue Horwitz
732.494.3232
shorwitz@jccmc.org
http://www.jccmc.org

As a conductor, composer, and educator who has performed and had music played all over the world, I am more and more aware of the debt I owe to Leonard Bernstein. As we celebrated his 100th birthday in 2018, it became a time for many in the music world - listeners and performers - to reflect on Bernstein, one of America's most influential artists. For most of his life, he was most known as a conductor and a celebrity. Today, in addition to all the great recordings, his compositions are also being re-evaluated in recognition of his creativity and originality.
Bernstein broke many boundaries in the music and arts world. His fame may have opened many doors, but his genius enabled him to walk through and open those doors for all of us who followed. In addition to his acceptance as an American conductor and composer, Bernstein also broke the unspoken walls between what was called classical and popular music, being open to all forms and styles. Lastly, Bernstein's work as a humanitarian also set him apart as he worked hard to bring people together at a time when people were increasingly torn apart. Join me, Maestro Robert W. Butts, in a two part tribute to America's Musician. Audio and video clips will be presented.
Dr. Robert Butts has shared his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of music through his work as conductor, composer, educator, writer and lecturer. He has conducted major orchestra and opera performances in New Jersey as well as guest appearances in Europe. In July 2018 Dr. Butts had the honor of participating in the Alion Baltic Music Festival in Tallinn, Estonia. Robert W. Butts is the Conductor and Music Director of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.