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New York Philharmonic: They gave Leonard Bernstein his big break
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13 moments that made the world's greatest orchestras even greater
6. New York Philharmonic: They gave Leonard Bernstein his big break
The 25-year old Bernstein, pictured second from right, was the orchestra's Assistant Conductor in November 1943 when he had to step in at short notice for the unwell Bruno Walter. Bernstein's unrehearsed performance amazed the crowd and the players, and was broadcast live to the nation. The New York Times published a front-page story about it and Bernstein became a top-flight conductor overnight. Photo: AP
