Whether you know his “Candide” by heart, love his lyrics to “West Side Story,” or just know his name from its shout-out in R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It,” nearly everyone has some association to Leonard Bernstein ’39 and something to learn from next month’s “Leonard Bernstein: Boston to Broadway” festival.

This former Glee Clubber’s life and work will be explored in concerts and symposia from Oct. 12 through 14. It may seem far away, but tickets for students are on sale now, and free to the first 50 Harvardians who grab them. After those are gone, tickets will be $5 each. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Harvard Box Office. More information at http://www.bernsteinatharvard.org.

Meanwhile, Daniel Barenboim, one of the world’s most eminent and controversial conductors, as well as one of its finest pianists, is in the midst of delivering six Charles Eliot Norton lectures on cultural issues, culminating next week. The Norton lectures are rare events, and have been given in the past by the likes of Bernstein and Lionel Trilling.

Stay tuned, because next week, Arts will be taking an exclusive look at both the Bernstein fest and the Barenboim visit.

Barenboim’s final two lectures will take place in the Paine Concert Hall today and on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 4:30 pm, both days. No tickets are required. For more information, call 617-495-2791.

—Abe J. Riesman