STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Two words. Leonard Bernstein.

Louis, as he was originally known, would have turned 100 on Aug. 25, and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony will join orchestras across the country in saluting him tonight.

His West Side Story score, written in 1957, helped bridge the gap between classical and popular music. And no doubt audience members won’t be able to keep from singing along as the symphony plays symphonic dances from the score that produced “Tonight,” “Maria” and “Somewhere.” 

Also on tap tonight: Felix Mendelssohn’s “Concerto in E Minor for violin.” His last large orchestral work, it’s one of the most frequently performed violin concertos of all time.

And this particular performance will feature Benjamin Beilman, a fast rising 28-year-old violinist whom The New York Times describes as “muscular with a glint of violence.”

Assistant Conductor Sameer Patel will lead a Lawn Chat at 5:45 p.m. on the far end of the symphony lawn.

COMING UP:

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15—Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 in E Minor.

This symphony as first performed by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra in 1953 following the death of Joseph Stalin. Schostakovich had a difficult relationship with the government during Stalin’s reign, losing income and status every time he was denunciated. This caused him to take a conservative tack in some of his compositions. But the compositions were widely acclaimed, even though they might not have been all that was in his heart.

Sameer Patel will lead a Lawn Chat at 5:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, Aug. 16—Tan Dun’s “Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds” is a 12-minute piece by a Chinese-American composer known for melding East and West in his music. The audience is encouraged to join in at the beginning with their Smartphone.

Also, Anton Dvorak’s “Cello Concerto.” The last he wrote, it’s been called “the greatest.”

Peter Henderson will lead a Lawn Chat at 5:45 p.m.

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. All are free.