What are five important facts about Leonard Bernstein?

Leonard Bernstein was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author and humanitarian. According to music critic, Donal Henahan, he was one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history.

Bernstein was the recipient of many honours, including seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and sixteen Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime, and the Kennedy Center Honours.

What are five important facts about Leonard Bernstein?

• In Japan, Bernstein was known more as a conductor of symphonies than as the composer of Westside’s story.
• Bernstein had a devoted fan in Japan fourteen years before he first set foot in the country.
• A young Japanese man sent over 350 love letters to Bernstein
• Bernstein conducted the Hiroshima Peace Concert in 1985.
• The last major project in Bernstein’s career took place in Japan.