HSO Will Perform At

Leonard Bernstein Festival

FAIRFIELD — Noted conductor Michael Barrett and Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, will join Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) on stage on Friday, March 24, at 8 pm, at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Mr Barrett will lead the orchestra through selections from West Side Story, Candide and On the Waterfront in “Bernstein on Broadway,” part of the Quick Center’s ongoing Leonard Bernstein Festival.

Ms Bernstein will provide concert narration and reflect on her father’s legacy to the world of music during the performance, which will feature mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Shammash and tenor Jeffrey Picon, among others.

A protégé of Mr Bernstein, Mr Barrett served as the maestro’s associate conductor from 1985 through 1990, and has guest conducted several major orchestras, including New York Philharmonic, London Symphony, and others. He remains the artistic advisor to Mr Bernstein’s estate.

Ms Bernstein and her siblings have worked to preserve their father’s legacy since his death in 1990. To that end, she hosted New York Philharmonic’s live national radio broadcasts, and performs concert narrations with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad.

The second largest orchestra in New England, HSO is celebrating its 62nd season in 2005-06, and performs more than 60 concerts annually throughout Connecticut.

Acclaimed by The Boston Globe as a “mezzo voice that makes one sit up and take notice,” Ms Shammash has appeared in major roles with New York  City Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and others nationally and internationally.

Highlights of Mr Picon’s career include performing with The Dallas Opera, American Symphony Orchestra, and San Francisco Opera.

The Quick Center is on North Benson Road. Tickets range from $40 to $50. For tickets, call the 203-254-4010.