Where Were You the Day Bernstein Died?

August 25, 2006

October 14, 1990. Riding in a streetcar in Vienna, Austria. Passing the Opera House. Two dramatic sheets of black fabric flowed from the roof of the building to the street below, one on either side of the entrance. Why? I was a college student studying in Vienna at the time. I was on my way to class at the University. The dramatic display of grief on the face of the opera house took my breath away. I didn’t learn until later in the day that those black drapes were crying about Leonard Bernstein. I’ll never forget the sight. Where were you? Do you remember how you learned of Bernstein’s death and what you were doing at the time? How did the news strike you? Did it send you to your record collection? Did it bring back memories of concerts? I’d love to hear your stories.