Leonard Bernstein's identity as both a composer and conductor was deeply influenced by a combination of his own Jewish heritage and the place of religion in 20th Century society and culture. This panel explores, through the Jeremiah and Kaddish Symphonies and Mass, the impact of those formative religious experiences and the wider existentialist doubt of life in the nuclear age on the man and his music. Audio clips of Leonard Bernstein via _The Bernstein Experience_ on Classical.org. Copyright: Estate of John Gruen. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Special thanks to Julia Gruen. [Hear more on Classical.org](https://bernstein.classical.org/ ""). _Bernstein Week_ panels are supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. ###### Special thanks to the following for providing research and content: Boston Symphony Orchestra Archives New York Philharmonic Archives Loeb Music Library, Harvard University Congregation Mishkan Tefila Archives The Bernstein Experience at https://bernstein.classical.org
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