Aaron Copland (1900-1990) helped establish a recognizably American style of concert music, heard in symphonies, ballets, chamber music, film scores and other genres. One of his closest friends was internationally important conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Bernstein wrote in a recognizably American style based on an eclectic mixture of influences including Stravinsky, Copland, and blues and jazz. Bernstein wrote concert music, ballets and also Broadway musicals. We'll explore these two important figures in American music, their friendship and their careers.

Instructor Bio: Paul Laird is a professor emeritus of musicology who taught at the University of Kansas for 30 years. He has published widely on American musical theater and taught dozens of Osher courses over the last three decades.

Course pre-requisites
(required) Osher Membership Fee