Invited to conduct a performance to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall, Leonard Bernstein leads a multi-national orchestra in a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven Ninth Symphony, recorded live at the Schauspielhaus, Berlin on Christmas Day 1989. Not only the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra was to participate, but musicians from the most important orchestras in the world as well. Three choirs also supported him at his great Berlin concert: the Bavarian Radio Chorus; members of the Radio Chorus; and the large Children's Choir of the Dresden Philharmonie. All were to combine to achieve the common goal of ringing the bell of emotion, of joy at this great, historical moment which Bernstein had conceived. He was truly more than a conductor; he shook people awake from the rostrum, surrendering to Beethoven's music and yet rendering it with all his heart and soul at the same time.

Musicians:
Ludwig van Beethoven, composer
Leonard Bernstein, conductor