Bernstein’s daughter Jamie shared an excerpt of her recent memoir of life with her father Benjamin Ivry and Allan M. The Forward has published plenty on the subject. But on the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s birth, take some time to reflect on his particular genius, which was deeply American - and deeply Jewish. Celebrations have taken place across the globe, and will continue for at least another year to come. Over the rest of the 20th century, Bernstein’s work would help define the artistic landscape of a United States launched into ascendancy by the First World War, redefining the bounds of mainstream culture for generations.īernstein’s centenary year, which reaches its zenith this Saturday, has not been a quiet one. Ollmann received an honorary degree in music from his alma mater, Bowdoin, in 1988.On August 25, 1918, as World War I barreled further into its final phase and a play called “Lightnin’” prepared for the next-day open of what would be a Broadway run of record-breaking length, a baby was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts with the name of Leonard Bernstein. The 1989 recording of Bernstein's Candide, in which Ollmann sang the role of Maximilian, won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Album in 1992. In the 2000s Ollmann served as an associate professor of music at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. There he was introduced to Leonard Bernstein, and he performed in Bernstein's opera A Quiet Place in 1984, and participated in recordings of Bernstein's West Side Story (as Riff) and Candide (as Maximilian), both conducted by Bernstein. He also became a member of the Skylight Opera Theatre in Milwaukee. He studied singing with Marlena Malas, Yolanda Marculescu and Gérard Souzay. He attended Bowdoin College, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Romance languages.Īfter college, Ollmann moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to begin a singing and theatrical career. They then returned to Racine, where he attended Horlick High School. From age 12 to 14, Kurt and his family lived in Paris. Ollmann was born, and grew up, in Racine, Wisconsin. He has performed extensively, in opera, musical theatre, and solo recitals.

Kurt Ollmann (born Januin Racine, Wisconsin), is an American operatic baritone, known for his frequent musical association with composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein from 1982 until Bernstein's death in 1990.

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