The Kennedy White House Concerts

Music flourished in the Kennedy White House. Unlike any President that came before him, John F. Kennedy, influenced by his wife Jacqueline?s deep love of culture, brought an appreciation for music and the arts literally to a national stage. Classical music, opera, gospel, jazz, and even rock ?n? roll were embraced by the Kennedy?s. Concerts were de rigueur events for entertaining dignitaries and heads of state. Many of the most acclaimed composers of the twentieth century were Kennedy White House visitors, including Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. The Kennedy White House supported a wide range of musical artists and encouraged Americans to seek out a greater involvement with the arts.

This collection includes digitally re-mastered live recordings, of concerts performed at the White House during the administration of President John F Kennedy.

The performance by virtuoso cellist Pablo Casals on November 13, 1961 (which included Mendelssohn?s Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor) was perhaps the most celebrated concert given at the White House during the Kennedy years. Among its two hundred invited guests were many of the nation?s most prominent composers and conductors.

In 1962, after completing a tour of Latin America under President Kennedy?s Cultural Exchange Program, the Paul Winter Jazz Sextet became the first jazz group ever to perform at the White House

With their leadership, charisma, and style, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy encouraged Americans to participate along with them in exploring and enjoying music in its many forms.