Night Music: Leonard Bernstein

Any classical music fan has a huge place in their heart for The Maestro, arguably the greatest orchestra-leader of all time and certainly the most iconic person who ever took their place at the podium. When Bernstein moved his arms, sweeping them around, it's what I imagined God looked like when they created the universe. My sincere admiration for Bernstein is why I named my main character Kate Bernstein after the amazing composer.

I'm a huge West Side Story fan (and also of Stephen Sondheim). It killed me, almost, not to have a reference in the book. That said, I think enough service was done by having Bernstein be the main character's surname.