During a pair of performances this weekend, the Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County will pay homage to the late composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein in celebration of what would have been his 100th year.

Chorus Conductor Leslie Lewis explained that the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s birth was the reason behind her theme for the upcoming shows, but that her programming grew from a desire to draw from both his concert repertoire such as “The Lark” and “Mass,” and from his musical theater compositions such as “West Side Story.”

Other titles visited include “Candide,” “Peter Pan,” “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” and “Trouble in Tahiti.”

“We have members who enjoy both concert literature and lighter fare, so it’s great to include both in the same program,” Lewis said. “I love the rhythmic interest in Bernstein’s compositions. They’re fun, interesting and infectious.”

The performances will mark the final appearance on the podium by Lewis. After directing nine spring seasons with the chorus, Lewis announced she is stepping down to allow more time for pursuits such as travel and genealogical research.

“It’s been a real joy to direct the Community Chorus,” Lewis said, adding “the chorus is in good hands. Thank you to the community of Port Townsend and Jefferson County for your support of choral music.”

The first performance of “Leonard Bernstein: A Centennial Celebration” will be at 7 p.m. April 5 at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St. in Port Townsend.

The second performance will be at 3 p.m. April 7 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way, in Chimacum.

Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com, at Crossroads Music in Port Townsend, or at the door of each venue.

The Leonard Bernstein Office in New York has estimated that during a nearly two-year observance dedicated to the composer’s life and work, at least 5,000 events on six continents have either already been held or are still in the works.

Lewis said she especially likes the songs from “Candide,” a 1956 operetta based on the 18th Century novella by Voltaire.

“The songs run the gamut from playful and farcical to epic,” Lewis said.

Longtime pianist and chorus accompanist Lisa Lanza said she was thrilled to be asked to play the spring concert with Lewis, especially when learning it was an all-Bernstein program.

“I knew Leslie would put together a program that would include some lesser known songs as well as his familiar gems,” Lanza said. “So much of Bernstein’s music is full of rhythmic vitality and interesting harmonies,” Lanza said. “I welcome the challenge of learning and playing his music.”

Even seasoned veterans of the chorus hadn’t sung much Bernstein music before, save songs from “West Side Story,” according to Lewis.

Linda Atkins, president of the Community Chorus, said preparing this program has helped her realize the depth and breadth of Bernstein’s genius.

“It goes way beyond what I realized,” she said.

Lewis said mastering Bernstein’s difficult rhythms has been the biggest test for the choir. Bernstein, influenced by jazz as well as other musical forms, incorporated syncopation and varying time signatures in his compositions, she said.

“We have everyone from veterans to newbies who do not necessarily read music, but by working together we’re achieving success,” Lewis said.

A favorite of many choristers is “Take Care of This House,” from Bernstein’s lesser-known musical “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”

That show focused on the first 100 years of White House presidents, their families and the rotating cadre of servants and government employees, Lewis said, adding it ended its run in 1976 after just seven performances on Broadway.

Accompanying musicians

Mark Johnson, guest pianist, has signed on to perform three songs, including “Overture to Candide,” in which he joins Lanza for the four-hand piece.

Also in the lineup are soloists soprano Sarah Moran, reprising “Glitter and Be Gay” from “Candide,” accompanied by Johnson, and baritone Blaine Lewis singing “A Simple Song” from “Mass,” accompanied by Dana Africa on flute and Lanza on piano.

“We have been so lucky to have Lisa accompany us all these years,” Lewis said. “Her professional skill, combined with her eager and cooperative spirit, is an unbeatable combination. I treasure our collaboration.”

Lanza, in turn, said she loves working with Lewis, “who brings us all together. Her love of music is infectious.”