The first performance was September 5 , 1971 , with 2,200 members of the general public in attendance to see a premiere of Leonard Bernstein 's `` Mass '' in the Opera House , while the Center 's official opening took place September 8 , 1971 , with a formal gala and premiere performance of the Bernstein `` Mass '' .
The first performance was September 5 , 1971 , with a premiere of Leonard Bernstein 's `` Mass '' in the Opera House . The Center officially opened on September 8 , 1971 , with a formal gala and premiere performance of the Bernstein `` Mass '' .