Leonard Bernstein was a multifaceted musical genius—a conductor, composer, pianist, and educator. He was the first American-born conductor to lead a major U.S. orchestra (the New York Philharmonic) and was a tireless advocate for American music. As a composer, he is best known for 'West Side Story' (1957), which revolutionized the Broadway musical with its complex rhythms and integration of dance. Bernstein was also a dedicated educator, known for his 'Young People's Concerts' which introduced millions of children to classical music through television. His flamboyant conducting style and his ability to cross between classical and popular genres made him a global cultural icon. He was a champion of humanitarian causes and a passionate communicator who believed in the power of music to bring people together.