Leonard Bernstein composed some of the most memorable theater scores of his generation— West Side Story. Candide. On the Town — but who was the man behind the music? This edition of NJPAC’s Conversations in Concert, hosted by theater insider Ted Chapin, promises to be a thought-provoking evening of stories about the iconic composer-conductor complemented by Bernstein songs. Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie, will pull back the curtain of her father’s complex persona, sharing intimate moments and childhood memories from her book, Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein. Bill Charlap & the Bill Charlap Trio will perform Bernstein classics, including “America,” “Lucky To Be Me,” “Some Other Time,” “Glitter and be Gay,” “Somewhere,” and “Cool.” Bill, who lives in West Orange, NJ, is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at William Patterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.
Natasha Barbieri: What has Bernstein meant to you as a musician?
Bill Charlap: It’s impossible for me to overestimate the importance of Leonard Bernstein. He is an unparalleled musical force. Besides being deeply inspired by his work as a composer, conductor, and pianist, I cannot think of another artist from whom I’ve learned more about the power of music. From his many important books, essays, letters, and lectures…Bernstein is a cornerstone of my musical thinking, and his aesthetic has been deeply enlightening to my psyche.
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of your favorite compositional elements from Bernstein?
Bill Charlap: Bernstein’s compositions are so profoundly informed. One can hear elements of Copland, Gershwin, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Mahler, and so many others, but in the end, it is all singular, original, and inimitable Leonard Bernstein. The visceral rhythmic intensity coupled with his profound melodic genius…the deep emotional qualities, the risk, and the theatrical undercurrent which imbues every element of his work make for an extraordinarily varied musical world unlike anyone else.
Natasha Barbieri: How did you first meet Jamie Bernstein and start this collaboration?
Bill Charlap: The concept for this concert is the brainchild of John Schreiber, the CEO of New Jersey Performing Arts Center. He thought it would be a wonderful idea for Jamie Bernstein––whose knowledge, verve, and understanding of her father’s work is encoded in her DNA––to have an open conversation about Bernstein’s work in tandem with the brilliant theater historian Ted Chapin and myself, coupled with a performance of many of Bernstein’s glorious songs for the theater with the conception of my long-standing trio, which features bass and drum virtuosos Peter Washington and Kenny Washington. Jamie Bernstein and I have only met a few times in the past, so this will really be a first conversation. I admire her knowledge, insights, and perspective immensely, and I look forward to the extemporaneous flow and improvised conversation that will make this such a unique exploration of the songs that we’ll play.
Natasha Barbieri: Can you tell us a little bit about what is in store for the audience in this special performance?
Bill Charlap: We will be drawing on songs from: On The Town, Wonderful Town, Candide, Fancy Free, and of course West Side Story.
With Peter Washington on the bass and Kenny Washington at the drums, the trio has developed its inherent chemistry to a higher and richer communication which seems to increase as each season passes. We have been interpreting Leonard Bernstein’s songs for over 20 years, and the combination of the Maestro’s language along with our conception of swing and rhythmic vitality, plus our commitment to improvisation, creates a unique presentation of these sensational pieces.
Natasha Barbieri: What is it about Bernstein that you feel continues to connect with audiences today?
Bill Charlap: Bernstein’s music is forever. He was a melodic genius and his rhythm, harmony, and melody are all equal parts. The music is cast, like a great sculpture. His compositions are imbued with humanity, spiritual power, and a visceral quality that cuts right to the heart of the listener. It remains as fresh as the day it was composed and speaks from a singular perspective and a unique vision for his time and for all time.
Join Bill Charlap and his acclaimed trio at NJPAC for a one-night-only celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s theatrical music on Saturday, January 29th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $59 and Up. To purchase, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722 or visit NJPAC.org/dance.
