There’s a place for us….somewhere, a place for us.” Those immortal lyrics by Stephen Sondheim from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” were the basis for a new project in celebration of Carnegie Hall’s 125th anniversary season. The Weill Music Institute launched The Somewhere Project, a citywide exploration of “West Side Story.” This unique creative learning project engaged people through events in all five boroughs of New York City, including a large-scale production of “West Side Story” that took place in early March at the Knockdown Center, a restored factory in Queens. The show was conducted by Local 802 member Marin Alsop, a former protégé of Bernstein and a visionary leader of education projects. The musicians were assembled by Red Press and Bruce Bonvissuto. Allegro photographer Walter Karling was granted access to a rehearsal to take the photos on these pages. Musicians were covered under a Local 802 union contract.

Throughout this season, the Weill Music Institute has also supported the creation of new works by students and community members, each inspired by “Somewhere,” the classic song that forms the affirmative core of “West Side Story.” This original music was featured in free Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts in all five boroughs. In addition, arts organizations and other city partners joined the conversation. For more information, see www.carnegiehall.org/SomewhereProject.