Leonard Bernstein honoured by plaque for his work

A plaque has been unveiled in a West Sussex cathedral to honour one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century.

Leonard Bernstein, who wrote the music for West Side Story, was commissioned to score the choral Chichester Psalms by the former Dean of Chichester, Walter Hussey, in 1965.

Its 60th anniversary is being marked on Saturday by a special performance of the work in the presence of Bernstein's son Alexander.

Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, a Chichester resident who worked with the composer, said it was "a timely recognition of the worldwide significance of this beautiful work".

She said: "Chichester Psalms continues to resonate across generations, and it is only fitting that its legacy is honoured here, where it all began."

The plaque has been organised by Bernstein in Chichester, the organisation that brought his legacy to Chichester in 2018 with a festival of events throughout the city in celebration of the composer's 100th anniversary.

The American composer and conductor died in 1990 aged 72.

Maestro, a film biography about his life, was Oscar nominated in 2024.

Saturday's milestone coincides with the cathedral's 950th anniversary – a year-long celebration of its history and legacy.

The Very Reverend Dr Edward Dowler, The Dean of Chichester, said: "This plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to one of the most cherished musical connections in our history.

"This moment will not only honour Leonard Bernstein's extraordinary legacy but also reaffirms the ongoing contribution of Chichester Cathedral to the choral tradition."

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