MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County will host a screening of “Seymour: An Introduction,” the Ethan Hawke documentary about legendary piano teacher Seymour Bernstein, on Saturday, March 17, at 4 p.m. Following the movie, there will be a question-and-answer session with Bernstein.
Born in Newark, Bernstein was a piano prodigy before turning his focus to teaching. He achieved local fame quite early as a performer, winning the Griffith Artist Award at the age of 17. Inducted into the army during the Korean War, Bernstein gave concerts on the front lines and for top military leaders. During this experience, he came to understand that he possessed a missionary zeal, a desire to bring music’s message to a wider audience. A concert career that took him to Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas brought this goal to fruition as have his books, “With Your Own Two Hands” and “20 Lessons in Keyboard Choreography.”
After working with Bernstein, Hawke was inspired to share his enthusiasm for this teacher through the film “Seymour: An Introduction.” The film received enthusiastic reviews at the Telluride, Toronto and New York City film festivals in 2014 and 2015 before it was released to movie theaters to great acclaim.
Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. All donations will benefit the Newark School of the Arts. For reservations, send an email to ecsec.nj@gmail.com. The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County is located at 516 Prospect St. in Maplewood.
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