The UNL School of Music presents the eighth annual "Celebration of American Song." This year's celebration honors Leonard Bernstein.
As a composer, lyricist, conductor, author, music educator and pianist, Leonard Bernstein changed the landscape of American music. His songs remain sparklingly significant in the context of all his compositions of operas, symphonies, music for the ballet, film scores, choral music and chamber works.
The performance is 7:30 p.m., Jan. 30 in Kimball Recital Hall. Tickets, available only at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. the night of the performance, are $5 general admission and $3 for students and senior citizens.
UNL's voice faculty, alumni and students will present live performances of Leonard Bernstein's songs. Performances will include a spectrum of memorable songs, such as those from his celebrated musicals, like "West Side Story;" songs from his classical works, including "A Simple Song" from his Mass; and some of his lesser known songs, including his recently rediscovered blues song "Ain't Got No Tears Left."
UNL's DMA alum Kurt Knecht will be featured at the piano and Coordinator of Musical Theatre Studies Alisa Belflower will serve as host, narrating with anecdotes from Leonard Bernstein's colorful life and career.
This performance will be presented in two acts with an intermission and an approximate running time of 90 minutes.