West Side Story brought two geniuses to bear on a tale as old as humanity: lovers from warring tribes. Stephen Sondheim, z”l, whose 95th birthday would be this week, penned some immortal lines about people whose place is not here, whose time is not now, but who long for the place and time that is theirs with hope and assurance. With Leonard Bernstein’s, z”l, soaring melody, this song has inspired millions over the decades since it first appeared.

Here is a new arrangement written especially for Cantor Schwartz and his former Bat Mitzvah student, Elle Winter, who is now a successful vocalist. Ponder these words anew – “We’ll find a new way of living . . . we’ll find a way of forgiving.” The message reaches beyond romantic love between Tony and Maria, to all of us.

Featuring: Cantor Azi Schwartz and Elle Winter
Song by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein
Arranged by David Enlow for the PAS Music Center
Cellist: Mary Wooten
Audio Engineer: Oli Jung
Video Capture and Editing: Terrell Simms