Known as an exquisite composer, conductor, exhibitionist and symphonic maestro, the late Leonard Bernstein truly captured the incredible yet bizarre persona he was known for in the musical realm. A standout 20th century musician, Bernstein changed the face of music at the time, most recognizable for his work on the theater production West Wide Story.

Born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Leonard Bernstein dabbled in music his whole life. Attending Harvard University and studying alongside Walter Piston, Bernstein first emerged in the industry as a composer, sometimes writing songs under the moniker Lenny Amber (because "amber" is the English translation of "Bernstein".) Bernstein started rising in the musical realm in the 1940s with his scores for the Symphony No. 1, "Jeremiah," along with the ballet Fancy Free. In 1957, Bernstein crafted the score for the musical West Side Story, and his career, it seemed, was just getting started. Also an on-again, off-again director of the New York Philharmonic from 1958 to 1969, Bernstein brought throngs of crowds to the Philharmonic's performances, bolstering his public image while garnering fans of all kinds. 1958's Young People's Concerts also made Bernstein a famed figure in the music realm, introducing his form of classical music to the world.

Eventually, Leonard Bernstein gravitated toward teaching. Upon receiving training at the Berkshire Music Center, Bernstein next served as an educator and a mentor there to oversee years and years of students, continuing to compose music through it all. Though fading from the main stage after the 1970s, Bernstein still continued assembling music of his own, including his late works like the opera A Quiet Place in 1983 and the song cycle Arias and Barcarolles in 1988. After a long and much fulfilled life in the public scene, Bernstein passed away in New York City in 1990.