The Broadway Sound: West Side Story (Balcony Scene) - BBC Proms 2012

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Watch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 bbc.in/iPlayer-Home BBC Proms 2012 from the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Sierra Boggess and Julian Ovenden perform the Balcony Scene from Leonard Bernstein's musical, West Side Story.
John Wilson conducts his own orchestra.
For more information on this Prom please visit:
www.bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2...
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[@jessicacarrera2784]

After 10 years, I have not come across another performance that surpasses this one. Please have them back BBC Proms!!!!!!

[@JoePalau]

It would be enough to match them. Bernstein is very difficult to sing. Difficult intervals and harmonies. They sing so effortless. A joybti witness and hear.

[@oddball8974]

Agreed

[@FlowersInHisHair]

By the end of this video I'm completely convinced that Sierra and Julian are in love with each other - the song is such a pure expression of true love. I'm in love with this song, this lyricist, this composer, this orchestrator, this orchestra, this conductor, this Tony, this Maria.

[@abelsincain]

Vivan Bernstein y Sondheim.

[@joecaldwell9073]

FlowersInHisHair Is a very

[@nailbilen902]

FlowersInHisHair

[@gameshowfanatic9311]

Julian is already married to an opera singer named Kate Royal

[@marinaas7513]

FlowersInHisHair 2

[@shithotaussie1]

I thought I'd heard this song once too many times - until I heard this performance. Suddenly it's like hearing it for the first time again. Bravo, Sierra and Julian.

[@oldfrend]

i hadn't seen west side story since i was a kid. cut to a few years ago i catch phantom 25th(?) anniv on pbs, see this amazing singer. get on YT, look for more of her, find this. think, 'eh, WSS, gang fights as interpretive dance. probly silly.' even without the sets, even without other characters, even without the rest of the movie, from this singular, profound performance you can imagine the entire tragedy from hopeful beginning to heartbreaking end all in your head. but even so, we should all be so lucky to share a moment as splendid as this.

[@harrymonk161]

Bravo

[@phylbutter3774]

I listen to these two greats sing 2x a day!

[@alastairjinks6966]

Definitely one of the best versions there has been

[@isatthere]

Yeah me too but these two are magical. A real pleasure to watch and see them fall in love.

[@ronaldfichera3488]

I am always amazed at how Sierra can assume the character in every song she sings. As great as her voice is, her characterization and assumption of the character and being in the moment separates her from all the other singers.

[@normakalberer8514]

Two exceptional vocalists. Their artistry is amazing.

[@Itsgaryjerry]

Leonard Bernstein said his music wasn't timeless like Mozarts.... I beg to differ - what a beautiful orchestra.

[@CDB8939]

The John Wilson Orchestra is a hand picked Orchestra and contains most of the UK Orchestras Leaders & Principals and is considered the best in the World when it comes to this Genre of music

[@hank1519]

Bernstein always wanted to be celebrated for his serious compositions, rather than his theatre pieces. The world, ironically, has not seen it this way. Timeless, for sure!

[@GeometricMason]

Didn't he and Sondheim write West Side Story in like 10 days? Crazy.

[@ronaldduquette9545]

The irony is, Mozart was a wonderful theater composer - and so many of his "serious" pieces sound like arias without words. So I think Lenny missed the point by a bit - he was every bit the theater composer that Wolfgang was, and his stuff holds up well in comparison to Mozart. Listen to "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" with the entire section that takes place during the War of 1812 at the White House, with the Brits tearing things up - it's a magnificent a capella work for a male chorus. Or the last ensemble piece of "Candide" - moving, wonderful music. It's taken me a while to appreciate Mr. Bernstein, but appreciation there certainly is.

[@peterraymond8470]

Gee, it turns out he was his own harshest critic. In an odd way I admire that.

[@JoePalau]

To see Julian and Sierra live, in person, on broadway is my dream. I’d need a box of tissues. Their duets are heavenly. Pure musical theater voices. ❤️❤️❤️

[@rebeccadegraffenried5583]

I would love to meet Sierra boggess and see her in phantom of the opera my favorite musical ever made

[@scottmathews3777]

They are the best Tony and Maria I have ever seen. They make you forget there is an orchestra behind them---you are transported to that alley.

[@lucillenilan1769]

Scott Mathews cartcycle by Y cycle moo, v is a78 gdood idea of how

[@MrDaiseymay]

QUITE RIGHT, AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY, DOING THE SINGING THEMSELVES --WOW.

[@Boydirectioner45]

I usually hate seeing white marias but this was so good omg i dont even care

[@PaolaRodriguez-nl2ss]

Rashad Greenleaf why??

[@Boydirectioner45]

Lola Riddle what do you mean why? im confused

[@whu58]

Damn, I only found this Sierra Boggess girl a few weeks ago singing Phantom........OMG want a talent..... she exudes joy, spirit. and expression in bucket loads.....also has the best soprano vocals I have ever heard!

[@d43imoet]

Same here! 2020 now, quarantine time. “Thanks” to covid19, we had a free streaming of the 25th anniversary of Phantom 3 weekends ago and that was when I first discovered the stunning talent that is Sierra Boggess. I’m forever enchanted by her!

[@tams.5286]

Huge Fan of Julia Ovenden too

[@robertbartelmes7623]

... amazing how a musical that is now well over 60 years old can still evoke such incredibly fresh emotions ... it's simply a timeless classic ...

[@leelester5759]

'West Side Story' timeless? Of course, it is a modernised version of William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' written more than 500 years ago and set to music by Leonard Bernstein. The white Jets, led by Riff, and the Puerto Rican Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo, replaced the original Montagues and Capulets. @@robertbartelmes7623

[@meganomahoney5450]

I’m playing Maria in west side story concert at my house on Monday 20 of December 2021

[@MonaLisaFace]

I am unhealthily obsessed with her.

[@queenicolumbo4857]

Me too....

[@weenightowl1715]

Me three lol

[@keefir11]

Rachel Zamstein Me four🎶😍❗️

[@kevegabbert3120]

Me too

[@noelleking3440]

THIS. I’d normally consider myself a rational person - but she’s such a breath of fresh air, with a really amazing gift. How she conveys emotions in a direct line to your soul defies rationalization.

[@FairyDust0704]

Wow, she can play any role!!! I love her so much .

[@benhayes730]

FairyDust0704 I agree

[@harrymonk161]

I agree

[@ALu-nq8rf]

Not this one. She can sing the song but she couldn't play the role of a Puerto Rican girl, especially not in a show which is based on racial divide and prejudice.

[@erinkatrina4201]

Mandi Lu she's only singing it in a concert though, the acting is just part of the performance

[@ALu-nq8rf]

Erin Katrina I know that. I was responding to the commenter's statement that she can play any role.

[@MuscialhHeart]

They play the part of young lovers so well. It's amazing how they can create that strong chemistry.

[@gpippind]

I agree! They were very believable. Made me cry

[@a1ar127]

All the comments about Sierra's chemistry…. All the same remarks are on her videos with Ramin Karimloo on Phantom performances. She has the magical ability to connect with whomever her costars are, and draw us into the magic of the romance…❤

[@masonshaffer6561]

She is not an actress. She is not a singer. She is perfection. :)

[@joeherald7319]

Don't know many current Broadway performers but I'm really glad to have found this. I'd never heard of Sierra Boggess. She is totally spellbinding. Mr Ovenden obviously real good also. Those of us who don't follow, or know about Broadway singers are missing a lot. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, J-Lo, Katy Perry, and their type are much more famous but, none of them can give me "the feels" like this young woman.

[@arickett68]

+Joe Herald - The 'guy' is a wellknown British actor also - seen in Foyle's War and recently in Downton Abbey.

[@gsandau]

It's time for you to watch her clips for Phantom of the Opera then... the Royal Albert Theatre clips with Ramin Karimloo.

[@joeherald7319]

Thanks, Like I said, I don't know many Broadway performers. Mr Ovenden is quite talented. I meant him no slight but, when I watched this I have to admit I was sort of swooning over Ms Boggess. Don't even know how I came upon this but, I'm glad I did.

[@ccubed201]

That was beautiful!!

[@skeche]

by far the best Tony and Maria performance in the history of West Side Story

[@stanastan977]

Holy guacamole! Perfect soprano and perfect tenor. Made the hair on my arms stand-up like porcupine quills.

[@derekstallwood1871]

There was chemistry in this performance that made it amazing. Could have heard a pin drop in some parts, most unusual for such a congregation.

[@luisastetecanal3599]

Excelente adaptacion de la GENIAL pelicula "West Side Story" ( Amor sin Barreras) que la vi en 1963 o 64 aqui en Cusco-Peru, cuando tenia solamente 13 anios de edad...era la epoca del CINE MONUMENTAL. a partir de esta no me perdia ninguna pelicula cantada, las veia todas las que podia...Esa gran pelicula es realmente GENIAL !!! Hoy a mis 71 anios de edad, desde hace mucho tiempo atras soy seguidor de la Musica Lirica y del Jazz. Saludos amigos.

[@mckendreecochran1176]

@@luisastetecanal3599 He is really quite good but she is amazing. she IS Maria. He is a great tenor PLAYING Tony. I. am entranced by her every tone, her every expression, her every move, her hand at her throat. ....... The best.

[@adriana410]

Probably the best 'Tonight' version I've ever heard.

[@joeherald7319]

I am at a loss to try to find the words to describe this. It's a perfect collision of great lyrics, music and performers.

[@phylbutter3774]

Xoxox

[@bro8974]

My favorite line: "What was just a world is a star." Things can change for the better in just a minute; we have to keep hanging on!

[@gary6514]

An attractive couple performing one of the most beautiful songs from the greatest musical ever written....what could be better?

[@cooljul1]

This video is honestly one of my favorites. I wish more kids my age (18) can appreciate music like this it's simply beautiful, it been pleasing people's ears for ages.

[@missraredoesstuff]

+cooljul1 Me too music that actually has meaning i'm 17!

[@disneyprincessintraining2725]

cooljul1 I'm 18, and I just love this music! But yeah, too many kids our age don't appreciate good music!

[@teresamarie6875]

Lol I'm 14 and I love this stuff

[@everettbaxter5327]

I love music from theatre shows unlike how most kids don't like this type of music.

[@lilypangchan5764]

I am 70 and I think I was 17 when I saw West Side Story. I love it even more today!

[@user-yy9sh7wc6z]

I am always in awe of her beautiful diction, even at the very top of her range. So many sopranos' words turn to mush in their higher registers.

[@o.b.6103]

They are both the best in their lanes. Incredibly talented!!!!!

[@boba6458]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Timeless and haunting lyrics. And a lifetime of brilliance.

[@oldfrend]

man when the orchestra breaks into that subdued version of Maria at the beginning with the sublime melody... breaks your heart knowing what's to happen.

[@bjsteinhoff9810]

How could Bernstein & Sondheim have known that 55 years after West Side Story's Broadway debut there would be 2 of the most incredibly gifted artists ever to grace a stage give such a stunning performance?!

[@PyjamaStudios]

Mrs. Sierra Boggess is very present on stage and performs her role in an intense and joyful way, also congratulations to Mr. Julian Ovenden!

[@hudsony777]

Wrong video PJ

[@TheMusicguy68]

SIERRA is beautiful and a glorious singer! She is the best singer in our world now! She is also a fine actress! I love watching her!

[@phylbutter3774]

Where is she now? Love her. And Julian!!

[@roberthoward6590]

This proves that great actors do not need a set at all. Actually the real set is this magnificent orchestra. This is heaven on earth. Te adoro, Anton. Te adora, Maria. Tears.

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

That last note and gesture were perfection.

[@janettefrancis7445]

This is the best balcony scene with Julian and Sierra there new cd is magical I wish they could be in a musical together one of Rogers and Hammerstein's perhaps that would be worth seeing

[@allantse3512]

This is the best arranged "Tonight(balcony scene)" I have ever listened. It almost comes to the point of telling the audiences that the young couple is falling in love through the music rather than in the form of literature. I feel the additional dialogue has done the job. Thanks to the director of the orchestra, I feel !!!

[@bearfatty69]

Though I'm watching alone, but I just couldn't help but give them a standing ovation.

[@santicanomoffat]

I got the opportunity of thanking her and exchanging a few words after a POTO show in NY earlier this year and its true what you say. After a marvelous and committed performance she greeted EVERY person who came out to the stage door. She's as humble as it gets: pure talent and a golden heart.

[@AuntieMamie]

What a perfect trio: John, Julian and Sierra. Leonard Bernstein would be ecstatic. This is spellbinding. The quintessential performance of a musical that is legendary now adds another legend. Bravo!

[@chrissyconnor9278]

This is totally amazing.... goosebumps. One of the prettiest duets ever and they nailed it. So intimate.

[@robertotorres497]

What a beautiful couple! They are made for love.... beautiful scene... she is so beautiful and he is made for her...and they sing very very well

[@ronaldduquette9545]

One of the loveliest love songs out there - and did you note that the hall was, other than them and the orchestra, especially in the quiet moments towards the end, absolutely, totally dead silent? And that's with 6,000 people in the place. That's magic.

[@millie8943]

This is spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!! SIERRA IS AMAZING

[@umokay7690]

+Millie Sophia Beautiful! Sierra and Julian have a great duet together! I just recently watched West Side Story, it's very sad Romeo and Juliet tale, but the music...... So lovely!!!

[@millie8943]

Allie Rozewski Its my second favorite musical. Im kind of obsessed

[@umokay7690]

+Millie Sophia Which Musical is your favorite? I've love Musicals, so many good ones! I'm mostly interested in the older ones though.

[@millie8943]

Allie Rozewski So i like both classics and i also like ones that aren't. You probably haven't heard of my favorite because it was literally on broadway for a month before it got closed. Its called Bonnie and Clyde the Musical starring Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan

[@breannebarber6171]

+Millie Sophia "When I drive, when I drive, I'm in love, I'm alive!" Great show.

[@justinekim8744]

IVE NEVER HEARD ANY ACTOR/ACTRESS SING THIS SONG AS WELL AS SIERRA AND JULIAN absolutely fantastic

[@ginaglendon9372]

That was AMAZING!! She embodies her roles and makes even these individual songs so believable. I also like how they did a scene....not just the song. Gives it such context.

[@Zeppolino100]

The orchestra is what makes this essential!

[@bennischwarzfisch1828]

Ich habe mir die Balkonszene mehrfach angesehen, so schön war es. Das große Orchester hinter den beiden vergißt man. Es zieht einen in das Stück hinein. Ich bin rin alter Orchestermusiker und hab schon viel gesehen und gehört, aber so was schönen ist sehr sehr selten. Alles paßt zusammen. Mir kommen immer wieder die Tränen.

[@timmorrissy3082]

Sierra sings wit such unbridled passion and joy that just watching her makes my life infinitely richer. Whether it's singing here or riding a trash can cover down a snowy hill (see Sid the Lid) you can see that she is a humble, genuine person who loves life to the fullest and imparts that in her music. Her Dad must break out in tears of pride every time he sees his daughter perform. Great job mom and dad!

[@joeycondit4900]

Boy! They are both so good! The man is talented in acting as well, they both are! So talented!

[@user-rc7xc2jq8q]

Superb , effortless & filled with emotion . It doesn’t get any better !

[@hairyeahyeah]

Sierra is the greatest female gift to grace our musical theatre stages in decades. I adore her

[@johannastromberg514]

I think these two are wonderful together! They have great chemistry. And that top note at the end.... she makes it look easy, but it's not. It takes such control! Bravo!

[@markwhitman9029]

Sierra is wonderfully talented and sings out of this world. After all these years have just discovered her! Better late than never! Would love to meet her and tell her what thousands of others have said to.her

[@HeyRay301]

Sierra & Julian after this emotionally phenomenal performance I am truly convinced Tony & Maria are madly in love and meant to be together.

[@sunbeamsami]

This is the reason why I fell in love with this musical.

[@colinclarke9455]

Two wonderful people and a fantastic orchestra. Facial expression puts the cream on the cake. Absolutely fabulous. This performance outweighs all others

[@sophiaspapi2003]

This brings to mind a time when I was young and deeply in love… and even though she has gone to heaven, I can still look back and say that I had the good fortune to experience being in love and being loved in return. I pray that same kind of undeniable love for each person in this thread

[@ndev8593]

These 2 make life look so simple and worth living they are amazing

[@biomanization]

I listened to this duet with a smile on my face. I could not stop smiling. Simply, beautiful!

[@TheDartagnon72]

So beautiful !! Their voices matche together so well…

[@theuofc]

WOW. Julian Ovenden is marvelous in this role: handsome and totally convincing as a man in love. And his voice is wonderful.

[@rosemaryversace-pinczes4130]

Just the most incredible voices I have heard on this song!!!

[@atulinabike]

Such a happy song... why am I crying? 😅

[@silentdiys6615]

incredible performance!!!

[@ndev8593]

I don’t know how many times I have watched this since 2012 but the passion and connection these 2 have together never ceases. Amazing.

[@lynharrod5087]

Sheer brilliance. I have heard this many times, but never as 'pure' as this. Their voices and the orchestra are almost magical. Thank you BBC. 7.5.2020. New Zealand.

[@48arris]

Such chemistry between them! Great performance.

[@tammys606]

Both have beautiful voices but Julian Ovenden is just terrific. Just discovered him a few months ago. Best day ever!!!

[@jasminderpinder]

Listen to his 'Being Alive'. Simply wonderful.

[@jackiemcmeekin6551]

The music from “West Side Story” is just marvelous. The song “Maria” is one of the most beautiful and passionate. Sierra and Julian sing it beautifully!!! Bravo.

[@pembroke2794]

The best version ever done. They are vocally amazing and the emotion...perfect!

[@Brevard1994]

Damn…. This girl is solid… amazingly solid… What a talent. What a gift!

[@nancyflanagan5393]

They were great together!!

[@micablackwell9095]

She's so amazing! I can't believe she can do an American, British AND a Puerto Rican accent! such an amazing actress & singer! I've met her & she's such a lovely & down to earth woman!

[@kathyrankin3052]

Every time I watch and listen to this, it just takes my breath away!

[@jamesflucker156]

A beautiful performance by two outstanding artists. Undoubtedly the best presentation ever of this wonderful duet.

[@suzannebenz8928]

Wow! They are both so very talented!!!

[@TMCSFCA]

Wow. Just WOW. Simply gorgeous.

[@Muzikalan]

Nice acting, even better singing, especially from Sierra. And the tune is immortal.

[@stix2507]

this is the best part of the musical. They do it so well.

[@alipilio2814]

I grew up listening to the soundtrack to the movie when I was just about 8 years old I'm glad I'm 66 now I'm still alive to enjoy this majestic music

[@astrigal18]

This is so much more than outstanding!

[@TheMrsCDB1]

The orchestra is amazing.

[@blanchefan]

This is indescribably beautiful. I'm just now discovering the incredible Sierra Boggess (Maria)--wow--she acts and she sings! And Julian Ovenden is superb as well. What a treat this was. Perfection!

[@kateemilyfowler2605]

Does anyone just re-watch this for Sierra's amazing Maria voice because... ME!!!!

[@Swaygodeus]

+Kate Fowler Julian's as well!

[@kateemilyfowler2605]

Oh yeah, definitely!

[@thomasaudet972]

Yes.

[@markwhitman9029]

Yes and I am old man.sorry I rewatch and dissolve into tears at beginning when she says I see you and he says see only me. One knows what will happen to them later. Both are out of this world convincing in acting and singing

[@edalvarado157]

Sierra spot on with her accent and amazing voice as always.

[@shilloshillos]

My GOD! Sierra is beyond mesmerizing. Her voice, her appearance, her expression. Pure talent!!!!

[@domenicgattellaro3708]

Thats a beautiful duet from Julian and sierra two great voices I enjoyed that very much

[@TheIgnitedRed]

I really love her voice !!

[@mariakatagiri3736]

One of the most beautiful songs in the world !!!! West side Story was just pure delight to watch !!! Eternal !!!!😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@walterwiggins8241]

That's how you do a social distancing date.

[@jessicafrotto4547]

BAHAHAHAHA yes

[@delilahxox82]

Because I've watched so many of Sierra videos. I now breath like her when she's singing. It helps you're vibrato to come out strongly.

[@zellar8054]

Awe she’s so beautiful and sweet at the same time ♥️and that voice and expression what a talent.

[@dianeshepherdlyricsoprano1394]

I adore both Sierra and Julian, and there is an undeniable rapport between them. I have seen them perform together several times. Sierra is my role model - I take direction from her.

[@tams.5286]

Omg! She’s not my role model but has one of the best singing voices I’ve ever heard. She has a virtual concert on August 30 on broadway world. $20 bucks. Julian, omg, he is fantastic!

[@dianeshepherdlyricsoprano1394]

@@tams.5286 He definitely is. He was born in our UK home town too. So I kind of feel some affinity with him! I just need him (or Sierra) to listen to my songs and then have a word with Mr Big (ALW) !!

[@jackierosas9593]

West Side Story never gets old, it’s just so wonderful.

[@domeyou]

I know, there are some here who doubt Ovenden's singing, but I do not. And couple this with his performance of "Maria" itself from the same concert, I think you might change your mind. He is deeply expressive, and in the end, impressive,. She, of course, is great. I would love to hear a whole night of the two doing whatever they want.

[@sergixtepec1]

Leonard Bernstein would be so happy watching this wonderful performance. Congratulations Orchestra' conductor, orchestra and the couple of spectacular singers.

[@benjaminlopezisgreat]

i dare say the acting is phenomenal !!

[@katoeire]

How on earth you don't love this...

[@janettefrancis7445]

Please someone star Julian and Sierra together in a show it would be magical and a huge success and a sell out love seeing you both on the proms and everything you do stay safe

[@jackiemcmeekin6551]

These two are consummate singers. Sierra and Julian have exquisite voices. Yes, I agree, they show love of each other as they perform and convey that passion to the audience!!!

[@Kiddow23]

Oh, Julian’s voice is everything! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@user-mh2nw4pe6c]

O my God! It's amazing! I can't to write something more! I don't have words for to describe this beautiful performance 😍😍😍😍😍

[@geoffreymuller4858]

They look and sound fantastic together, she is just beautiful!

[@ernlwjr2]

They had me at the dialogue!!! So well acted, sung, and committed!

[@markwhitman9029]

I started blubbering the moment she said " I see you" and Julian replies" see only me" one realizes what happens in the end to them both! I was only 10 when I saw the movie in 1961 and just was stunned by the ending and wanted so much for it to be different. Even now as an elderly man cry like a child!