The Seckerson Tapes: Lenny Bernstein's right-hand man, Craig Urquhart

The Seckerson Tapes: Lenny Bernstein's right-hand man, Craig Urquhart | reviews, news & interviews

The Seckerson Tapes: Lenny Bernstein's right-hand man, Craig Urquhart

Frank talk about living and working at the right hand of a musical superstar

by Edward SeckersonMonday, 25 January 2010

Craig Urquhart was Leonard Bernstein's personal assistant for the last five years of his life. In this touchingly frank interview he talks about the man he knew, the man he revered, the man who wanted to be all things to all people and who consistently pushed himself to the limit in the service of the music that drove him.

Click here to listen to this episode

The Bernstein Project is a 10-month celebration of Leonard Bernstein - one of the most charismatic men of the 20th century. A composer and conductor who wrote poetry and loved science; a pop icon revered by audiences, critics and musicians alike, and a rebel who was embraced by the establishment. As well as concerts and talks, the Project has many events where you can get involved. Directed by conductor Marin Alsop, The Bernstein Project runs throughout Southbank Centre until July 2010.

Explore topics

Share this article

...

Permalink Submitted by David Jack Smith (not verified) on Mon, 25/01/2010 - 12:37

Oh goody. Did Lenny ever repent his cringeworthy, embarrassing 1960's radical chic when he fawned and slobbered over the "Black Panthers." It must have been so exciting to watch at all those rich upper-class "whitey" women wet their knickers as they fantasized about the heretofore forbidden fruit. Were they up for the cause or what? A rebel without a clue, indeed. Though, like Lloyd Weber, he did write some catchy tunes.

Add comment

more Classical music

Bell, Perahia, ASMF Chamber Ensemble, Wigmore Hall review - joy in teamwork A great pianist re-emerges in Schumann, but Beamish and Mendelssohn take the palm

First Persons: composers Colin Alexander and Héloïse Werner on fantasy in guided improvisation On five new works allowing an element of freedom in the performance

First Person: Leeds Lieder Festival director and pianist Joseph Middleton on a beloved organisation back from the brink Arts Council funding restored after the blow of 2023, new paths are being forged

Classical CDs: Nymphs, magots and buckgoats Epic symphonies, popular music from 17th century London and an engrossing tribute to a great Spanish pianist

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Philharmonia Chorus, RPO, Petrenko, RFH review - poetic cello, blazing chorus Atmospheric Elgar and Weinberg, but Rachmaninov's 'The Bells' takes the palm

Daphnis et Chloé, Tenebrae, LSO, Pappano, Barbican review - lighting up Ravel’s ‘choreographic symphony’ All details outstanding in the lavish canvas of a giant masterpiece

Goldscheider, Spence, Britten Sinfonia, Milton Court review - heroic evening songs and a jolly horn ramble Direct, cheerful new concerto by Huw Watkins, but the programme didn’t quite cohere

Marwood, Power, Watkins, Hallé, Adès, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester review - sonic adventure and luxuriance Premiere of a mesmeric piece from composer Oliver Leith

Elmore String Quartet, Kings Place review - impressive playing from an emerging group A new work holds its own alongside acknowledged masterpieces

Gilliver, LSO, Roth, Barbican review - the future is bright Vivid engagement in fresh works by young British composers, and an orchestra on form

Josefowicz, LPO, Järvi, RFH review - friendly monsters Mighty but accessible Bruckner from a peerless interpreter

Cargill, Kantos Chamber Choir, Manchester Camerata, Menezes, Stoller Hall, Manchester review - imagination and star quality Choral-orchestral collaboration is set for great things

Follow @theartsdesk