This week, Jared Bowen heads to the New England Conservatory for a centennial exhibition on the American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Plus, a review of the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of “Sherlock’s Last Case.”
“Leonard Bernstein at 100,” on view for free at the New England Conservatory's Student Life and Performance Center: Burnes Hall through November 11
A new exhibition at New England Conservatory celebrates the centennial of an iconic American conductor and composer. Organized by the GRAMMY Museum, “Leonard Bernstein at 100” presents more than 150 personal items and artifacts from the late composer’s life, including his aunt’s piano, his podium and desk, his signature baton, and a trove of family photographs. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Bernstein studied at New England Conservatory and at Harvard, and even played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra before breaking out of the traditionally European classical music scene.
“He brought a classical musician's rigorous training, a love of the genre, and an awareness of musical theater and jazz that most classical musicians don't have,” says N.E.C. Chair of Orchestral Conducting Hugh Wolff, “and in particular, a really good sense of musical drama.”
“Sherlock’s Last Case,” presented by Huntington Theatre Company through October 28
The world’s most famous detective duo become enmeshed in a new caper at the Huntington Theatre. In “Sherlock’s Last Case,” playwright Charles Marowitz brings us back to Baker Street in the 19th century, where seasoned sleuths Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson face threats from the son of Sherlock’s one-time nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Jared says this Sherlock gets off to a slow start, but “enjoyably veers into a twisting, suspense-filled lane.” The play is directed by Huntington Theatre Company veteran Maria Aitken.
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