This is Fresh Air. I'm Terry Gross. My guest Bradley Cooper directed co-wrote and stars in the new film Maestro.

He plays the internationally famous composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Also with us is the internationally famous conductor

who served as Cooper's conducting consultant

Yannique Naseasegan.

He's the music and artistic director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, music director of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and principal conductor of the orchestra, Metropolitan De Montreal.

Bernstein is considered the first great American conductor.

He led the New York Philharmonic from 1957 to 69.

He wrote classical music.

His most popular music was the music he wrote for Broadway musicals, including

on the town, wonderful town, West Side Story, and Candide, and the score for the film on the

Waterfront.

Maestro is about his music life and his personal life.

He was a very public figure appearing often on TV and leading the Philharmonic in

his young people's concerts. A major part of his life was kept hidden from the public.

Although he was married to the actress Felicia Cohn, Montelegra, and they had three children together, he was bisexual or gay and had flirtations and

boyfriends during the years he was married. Felicia is played by Carrie Mulligan.

Bradley Cooper also wrote directed and starred in the 2018 adaptation of a star is born

and starred in Nightmare Alley American sniper American Hustle, Silver Lining's

playbook and the Hangover Films.

Bradley Cooper, Yannique Nisais again,

welcome back to both of you.

I really enjoyed this movie and am grateful to have

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