Now Playing: Candide

Studio 360

In 1956 Leonard Bernstein and Lillian Hellman staged a musical out of Voltaire’s Candide — the satiric French novel from 1759 that made a laughingstock of optimism. The Bernstein/Hellman musical was one of the most esteemed failures in American theatre. Over the years, Candide has been revived many times. The New York Philharmonic made the magnificent overture to Candide a signature piece, and next week (May 5th– 8th), for the first time, the Philharmonic will play the entire score, with Kristin Chenoweth and Paul Groves singing the leads. Sara Fishko looks back at the life of this unique musical.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!