Leonard Bernstein and the LSO
Videos, photos and more featuring conductor, composer and LSO President 1987–90, Leonard Bernstein.
Leonard Bernstein was a composer, conductor, pianist, author, educator and activist. He first conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in 1966, and there began a 24-year relationship that would see him named LSO President.
In total, Bernstein conducted 36 performances with the LSO between 1966 and 1990, including seven tours throughout the UK and the world. Many of his concerts were recorded, and he also conducted seven dedicated recording sessions with the Orchestra. Over the last six decades, we have performed Bernstein’s music under 42 different conductors, in addition to Bernstein himself.
Coming Up
Season Opening: Bernstein and Copland
Sir Antonio Pappano
Sunday 14 September 2025 • 7pm
Dramatic, emotionally intense American symphonies, to start the 2025/26 season: Bernstein's 'Kaddish' and Copland's Symphony No 3, with Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano on the podium.
Bernstein, Liebermann and Dvořák
Anja Bihlmaier and Gareth Davies
Thursday 26 March 2026 • 7pm
Anja Bihlmaier conducts Dvořák’s Symphony No 9, Bernstein’s gritty portrait of New York, and a new Flute Concerto by Lowell Liebermann, with the LSO's own Gareth Davies as soloist.
Britten, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky
Sir Antonio Pappano and Beatrice Rana
Sunday 10 May 2026 • 7pm
Sir Antonio Pappano and the LSO and Italian pianist Beatrice Rana navigate beauty, grief, and turmoil with Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem, Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety, and Tchaikovsky’s haunting Pathétique.
Videos
Stories
What was Leonard Bernstein's relationship with the LSO?
From his first concert in 1966, to becoming LSO President in 1987, Bernstein had a close relationship with the LSO that spanned 24 years.
Five of Bernstein's Best Recordings with the LSO
From Mahler’s Symphonies to his own Candide, here are just five highlights of Bernstein’s recording sessions with the LSO.
