This love story chronicles the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.
Maestro will tell the complex love story of Leonard and Felicia, a story that spans over 30 years-from the time they met in 1946 at a party and continuing through two engagements, a 25 year marriage, and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein Simmons.
Leonard Bernstein an extremely talented music composer cum conductor reaches great heights in his profession due to his passion, hard work and dedication. However his married life to an actress Felicia Montealegre does not run smooth due to his transgressions and his unfaithful nature.—Madan Marwah
During the 1940s, American composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein became famous for his intricate work. He was in a romantic relationship with clarinettist David Oppenheim until he met an actress, Felicia Montealegre, who inspired him in ways he had never experienced before. They soon began a relationship and eventually got married. Throughout the years, Leonard found success in Hollywood, but he always had a passion for sophisticated music, which led him to search for more complex sounds and compositions. However, his character affected his relationship with Felicia. Three children later, Felicia couldn't deal with the stress anymore, and tired of looking the other way, she abandoned him--a pivotal decision that forced Leonard to face himself and his mistakes.—Nick Riganas
In 1987, nearly 70 years old, Leonard Bernstein plays a passage from his opera A Quiet Place on the piano during an interview at his home. Afterward, he reflects on the profound impact of his late wife, Felicia Montealegre, sharing that he sometimes sees her ghost.
In 1943, Bernstein, then a 25-year-old assistant conductor with the New York Philharmonic, is thrust into the spotlight when guest conductor Bruno Walter falls ill. His electrifying debut performance earns widespread acclaim and catapults him to fame. During this time, Bernstein is in an on-and-off relationship with clarinetist David Oppenheim but soon falls for aspiring actress Felicia Montealegre at a party. After breaking up with David, who is heartbroken but supportive, Leonard and Felicia begin dating. The couple eventually marries and has three children: Jamie, Alexander, and Nina. Throughout their marriage, they are seen standing by each other's side, both personally and professionally.
By the mid-1950s, the Bernsteins are leading a glamorous, public life. Leonard has achieved success with notable works such as Candide and West Side Story. Despite rumors about Leonard's relationships with men, Felicia remains steadfast, asserting her role as his wife. However, his affairs, coupled with increasing alcohol and substance abuse, begin to strain their marriage. The tension escalates when Jamie overhears rumors about her father's infidelity. Leonard dismisses these whispers as envy, but the strain on the family remains.
On one Thanksgiving evening, Leonard arrives home late after a night of heavy drinking, leading to a heated argument with Felicia. She accuses him of harboring self-loathing and warns that he will "die a lonely old queen" if he does not change his ways. Despite the deep fractures in their relationship, the couple stays together, with Leonard continuing to compose major works such as Mass in 1971. In 1973, Leonard conducts a legendary performance of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra at Ely Cathedral. Afterward, Felicia reconciles with him, reassuring him that "there's no hate in [his] heart."
Tragically, Felicia is diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasizes to her lungs. Despite undergoing surgeries and aggressive chemotherapy, her condition worsens, and she dies in Leonard's arms in 1978. Devastated by her loss, Leonard and their children leave their grand home soon after.
In 1987, Bernstein is shown teaching the art of conducting, continuing to party, and engaging in relationships with much younger male students. In the interview, he admits to missing Felicia deeply. His thoughts drift back to a vision of her as a young woman, gracefully walking through their yard, a bittersweet reminder of their shared past.
