Notice: Humphrey Burton On Leonard Bernstein – Guildford Book Festival Opening Event

Published on: 2 Sep, 2018
Updated on: 2 Sep, 2018

This year’s Guildford Book Festival will open with a very special event – a gala concert on Saturday, October 6, celebrating the centenary of Leonard Bernstein.

Ahead of the concert, acclaimed broadcaster Humphrey Burton will provide a fascinating insight into the life of the composer, pianist, and conductor without peer.

Acclaimed broadcaster Humphrey Burton will provide a fascinating insight into the life of Leonard Bernstein.

A friend and colleague of Bernstein for many years, Burton interviewed family and friends and was given exclusive access to letters and papers to write the definitive biography. The result is an intriguing and revealing portrait of one of the twentieth century’s most influential figures.

Leonard Bernstein’s versatility was legendary. He captivated Broadway with such hits as West Side Story and On The Town, composed symphonies, film and ballet scores and a satirical operetta, Candide.

The event, which takes place in Holy Trinity Church in Guildford High Street, will celebrate Bernstein’s life with highlights from many of these works.

The concert will feature soloists Paula Sides, Carolyn Dobbin, David Horton, Matthew Siveter and David Horton accompanied by the Guildford Festival Orchestra conducted by Alexander Ingram.

The concert will feature soloist Paula Sides.

Doors open from 5.45pm and the event starts at 6.15pm. Tickets for the pre-concert talk cost £10 (£9 concessions) and for the concert £25 (£22.50 concessions).

Refreshments and sandwiches will be available to purchase before the concert and in the interval.

For tickets and information visit https://tickets.visitguildford.com/en-GB/shows/humphrey%20burton%20on%20leonard%20bernstein/events or Guildford Book Festival http://www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk/bernstein-evening.