Bernstein 100

Michael Brandon and Tony Turner star in a staged reading of the last long interview with composer Leonard Bernstein, by Jonathan Cott. Part of a season of programmes celebrating the centenary of the birth of the American composer, conductor and educator.

In November 1989, just a year before his death, Bernstein invited writer Jonathan Cott to his country home in Connecticut for what turned out to be his last major interview. In this extract from their extraordinary conversation, Bernstein talks with wit and passion on subjects musical, pedagogical and personal.

Leonard Bernstein.....Michael Brandon

Jonathan Cott.....Tony Turner

Pianist.....Richard Sissons

Producer.....Emma Harding

Recorded in front of an audience as part of the BBC Proms.

A reading of the last long interview with composer Leonard Bernstein by Jonathan Cott

Programmes celebrating the centenary of the birth of American musician Leonard Bernstein.