One of his most controversial compositions, Bernstein's Mass was written at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy Onnassis for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC and received its gala premiere at the venue's opening on September 8th 1971. Mass in now recognised as one of the central works of twentieth century American music, and its political and cultural importance as well as its amazing music extends its relevance to today.