Performer: Leonard Bernstein

This May, the world’s leading orchestras and soloists gather in Amsterdam for a grand celebration of all things Mahler – a city the composer described as his “second musical homeland”.

From the anthology of classical music greats there springs a surprising number of multi-faceted composers. We already know all about their musical achievements, but from Rossini to Wagner, many hide also talents as science geniuses, celebrated chefs, sporting prodigies, accomplished artists and even political pioneers. 

George Marriner Maull of the music education organisation The Discovery Orchestra looks back on the legacy of Leonard Bernsteins Young People's Concerts.