The Untold Story of David Oppenheim: Leonard Bernstein's Lover in Maestro

The Relationship with Leonard Bernstein

Maestro, the 2023 Netflix biographical drama film, delves into the life of American composer Leonard Bernstein, shedding light on his complex relationships, including the one with David Oppenheim. While the movie primarily focuses on Bernstein's marriage to Felicia Montealegre, it also delves into his bond with Oppenheim, portrayed by Matt Bomer. Oppenheim, an American clarinetist and classical music and television producer, was not only a close friend but also a sometimes lover of Bernstein's.

Matt Bomer as David Oppenheim in Maestro.

The film takes the audience on a journey through Bernstein's life, uncovering his love affair with Oppenheim before meeting his future wife, Felicia. However, Oppenheim's story didn't end with his relationship with Bernstein. After their romance, Oppenheim's life took unexpected turns, leading to significant milestones in his personal and professional journey.

Matt Bomer as David Oppenheim in Maestro.

Personal Life and Relationships

Following his romance with Leonard Bernstein, David Oppenheim met and married actress Judy Holliday in 1948. Despite his marriage to Holliday, Oppenheim continued to maintain a friendship with Bernstein, exchanging letters and staying connected over the years. The couple had a son named Jonathan, who later pursued a career in film and television production. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1957, marking a pivotal moment in Oppenheim's personal life.

Matt Bomer as David Oppenheim and Kate Eastman as Ellen Adler in Maestro.

Subsequently, Oppenheim remarried twice. His second marriage was to Ellen Adler, the daughter of Broadway actress Stella Adler. The union resulted in two children, Sara and Thomas, before ending in divorce after 19 years. Finally, Oppenheim married his third wife, Patricia Jaffe, in 1987, and they remained together until his passing in 2007. Notably, all of Oppenheim's marriages were to women in the entertainment industry, reflecting his continued connection to the world of music and entertainment.

Professional Legacy

In addition to his relationships, David Oppenheim was an accomplished clarinetist and producer who left a lasting impact on the music industry. His journey began as the first clarinetist for the New York Symphony Orchestra, and he later became the director of the Masterworks division at Columbia Records, working with prominent composers such as Leonard Bernstein and Igor Stravinsky.

Following his tenure at Columbia Records, Oppenheim transitioned to the television industry, where he directed, wrote, and produced music-influenced shows in the 1960s. His contributions extended to academia, as he assumed the role of the second dean of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, playing a pivotal role in shaping the institution's trajectory and securing significant funding for its development.

His impact on the Tisch School of the Arts was profound, leading to the renaming of the program and solidifying its status as a renowned institution. Throughout his career, Oppenheim's dedication to music and the arts left an indelible mark on the industry and the educational landscape, shaping the future of music and entertainment.

Legacy and Honors

David Oppenheim's contributions to the music industry and academia were significant, yet his story remains relatively untold. His passing in 2007 marked the end of a remarkable journey that intertwined with the lives of renowned figures such as Leonard Bernstein. Despite the lack of comprehensive exploration in Maestro, the film pays tribute to Oppenheim's influence and underscores his enduring impact on Bernstein and the music industry.

The portrayal of David Oppenheim by Matt Bomer in Maestro serves as a poignant reminder of the untold stories and legacies that shape the history of music and entertainment. The film, available for streaming on Netflix, offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual whose impact reverberates through the annals of music history, enriching the narrative of Leonard Bernstein and his contemporaries.