One of the 20th century’s great musical polymaths, Leonard Bernstein was a conductor, pianist, author, and educator who did much to bring classical music to the masses at a time when the music world’s establishment was running away from them. However, it’s his efforts as a composer that will come to the fore when mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard joins the Cliburn at the Kimbell series to perform an evening of songs by the composer who shares a name with her.
Some of the fare will be quite familiar, like “I Feel Pretty” and “Maria” from West Side Story, as well as “What a Movie!,” the show-stopping aria from Trouble in Tahiti. However, the Grammy-winning singer with the sultry stage presence and velvety voice will also perform less expected selections like “Lonely Town,” which is famous as a baritone aria but can be suited to a woman. “Take Care of This House” is a somber piece from Bernstein’s legendary Broadway flop 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, while “To What You Said” is a gorgeous setting of a Walt Whitman poem from the seldom-heard song cycle Songfest. Then there’s the beguiling “I’m a Person, Too,” from the song cycle entitled I Hate Music!, an evocation of a little girl making up her own songs. It’s a chance to hear a great singer exploring different sides of this musical celebrity.
Isabel Leonard sings at 7:30pm Thu at Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, FW. Tickets are $25-85. Call 817-332-8451.
