American Israel Culture Foundation Dinner Program, signed by Leonard Bernstein

Book Description

(LEONARD BERNSTEIN/Dinner Program) America-Israel Cultural Foundation Annual Dinner-Concert in honor of Leonard Bernstein. Signed in pencil by Bernstein. New York: Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Monday, February 2, 1959. Framed and matted, measures 15 inches x 13 inches. Program alone measures approximately 7 inches x 10 inches. Water stain present, not affecting signature. The American-Israel Cultural Foundation was created in 1939 to relocate endangered Jewish musicians and their families from Nazi Germany and Eastern Europe to Palestine. This non-profit, non-political organization still raises American money to promote the cultural life of Israel and Israeli artists. American composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a lifelong champion of the rights of Israel and conducted his first concert there in 1947. This tribute to those efforts was attended by David Ben-Gurion, Senator Jacob Javits, and (on film) a statement from President Dwight Eisenhower. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the concert itself was presented by the New York Philharmonic with Wilfred Pelletier conducting.

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