Jamie Bernstein laughed when it was suggested that she, her brother, Alexander, and sister, Nina, have fashioned an industry by promoting their father's work.
"We call it a family store," she said. "It's not big enough to be an industry. I went down to Washington with my brother and sister to watch the premiere of the new 'West Side Story' revival, and it was so much fun. It was a little family excursion."
Bernstein will be in Minneapolis this week to attend performances of "Mass" (which she will introduce from the stage) and to host a family concert of some of her father's popular music from "West Side Story," "On the Town" and "Candide." Mischa Santora, the orchestra's associate conductor, will lead that concert.
Bernstein, a writer and broadcaster, adopts the model established by her father in making concerts accessible for families and children. It is something she has done frequently, including an appearance last April and in 2005 with the Minnesota Orchestra. The 90th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth has elevated her activity as organizations nationwide have sought involvement from the Bernstein children. All three appeared on a panel at Carnegie Hall last fall during a Bernstein festival.
"I can't convey to you how all-consuming this has been," she said. "Running around giving talks, narrating concerts, attending concerts -- I've never been busier in my life."
Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299
