Southwest Florida Symphony hosts “Leonard Bernstein: Citizen Artist” on Nov. 1

Leonard Bernstein: Citizen Artist

The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest in the state, is excited to host “Leonard Bernstein: Citizen Artist” on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Rd. in Fort Myers. Proceeds support the Southwest Florida Symphony.

The program features author, narrator and filmmaker Jamie Bernstein, daughter of acclaimed composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. The presentation explores her father’s life and legacy through four categories – conductor, composer, educator and activist-humanitarian – highlighting audio and video clips, as well as images culled from Leonard Bernstein’s vast archive at The Library of Congress. The program also includes several Bernstein favorites performed by local soprano Heather Ivy and accompanied by piano. The evening concludes with a Q&A session with Jamie Bernstein.

Leonard Bernstein was a forerunner of today’s “citizen artists.” His life, and the choices he made throughout, provide a meaningful, hope-inspiring example of how much a musician can contribute to the world.

Sponsors for the event include Ted Epstein as title sponsor and The Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties as media sponsor.

Tickets cost $40-$100. To reserve tickets, visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.