The UNL School of Music is proud to present the eighth annual Celebration of American Song. This year’s celebration honors Leonard Bernstein.

As a composer, lyricist, conductor, author, music educator and pianist Leonard Bernstein changed the landscape of American music. His songs remain sparklingly significant in the context of all his compositions of operas, symphonies, music for the ballet, film scores, choral music and chamber works.

UNL’s voice faculty, alumni, and students will present live performances of Leonard Bernstein’s songs. Performances will include a spectrum of memorable songs including songs from his celebrated musicals including West Side Story, songs from his classical works including “A simple song” from his Mass, and some of his lesser known songs including his recently rediscovered blues song “Ain’t got no tears left.”

UNL’s DMA alum Kurt Knecht will be featured at the piano and Coordinator of Musical Theatre Studies Alisa Belflower will serve as your host narrating with anecdotes from Leonard Bernstein’s colorful life and career.

Come out and rediscover for yourself how Leonard Bernstein became an internationally celebrated American composer. His songs continue to stir the hearts of contemporary audiences from his spirited “New York, New York” to his timeless anthem of universal hope “Somewhere.” Come out and hear stories of an unprecedentedly successful –– if not scandalous –– life and career.

This performance will be presented in two acts with an intermission and an approximate running time of 90 minutes. Tickets are available at the door on the evening of the performance. Don’t miss this highly anticipated annual, one-night-only performance.

Tickets: General admission $5, student/senior $3, available at the door approx. one hour before the performance.