THIS year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), composer of perhaps the best loved musical ever composed, West Side Story.

Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of a love story blighted by lethal warfare between two rival New York gangs.

It has been made into a film, and still plays to packed-out theatre audiences all over the world.

Composer, conductor, and pianist, Bernstein tried to bring classical music to the masses in his leading roles at the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and his Young Peoples' Concerts.

His sympathy for left-wing politics and the plight of ordinary people is reflected in West Side Story, and his other famous musical, Candide.

Candide is based upon French writer Voltaire's novel of the same name.

It tells the story of resistance to the murderous Spanish Inquisition.

Bernstein and his collaborators used the tale to express their opposition to right-wing Senator Joseph McCarthy, and his Un-American Activities Committee, which was dominating US politics at the time.

Because of the politically toxic environment of McCarthyism and its witch-hunts in 1950s America, Candide opened on Broadway on December 1, 1956, but was shut down just two months later.

But the recording of Bernstein's musical score has sold millions, and through it, and West Side Story, Bernstein has become one of music's immortals.

Bernstein was himself targeted by witch-hunter McCarthy, and to save his career, was forced to sign a legal affidavit declaring his opposition to "Communism."

Unlike McCarthy and his evil witch-hunts, Bernstein's music will live forever in the hearts and minds of all who come into contact with it.

James Roberts, Wallasey