The Reno PhilharmonicClassix Six: 100 Years of Bernstein

Reno Phil Chorus
Vocalists Elena Perroni, Olga Perez Flora, and James Flora

BERNSTEIN "West Side Story"–Concert Suite No. 1

BERNSTEIN "Chichester Psalms"

BERNSTEIN "Make Our Garden Grow" from "Candide"

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 47

TAKE NOTE…

• In addition to being considered one of Bernstein’s quintessential works, "West Side Story" also marked the Broadway debut of lyricist Stephen Sondheim, whose later works included "Gypsy," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Sweeney Todd," and "Into the Woods."
• Bernstein’s "West Side Story" and "Candide" were both based upon classic literature. "West Side Story" was a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" while "Candide" was inspired by Voltaire’s novel of the same name.
• Shostakovich wrote Symphony No. 5 at a time when he lived in fear of Stalin and the Russian government. He slept in the stairwell outside his apartment to spare his family the experience of what he believed was his imminent arrest.
• Stalin and the government were pleased with the symphony and everything it included, although many fans and critics have come to hear a subtext critical of the Russian government.