Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 2, 1924 in London, England

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Cyril Ornadel was a British composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. He was born on December 2, 1924, in London, England, to Jewish parents who had emigrated from Russia. Ornadel showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition and conducting. After completing his studies, Ornadel began working as a conductor and arranger for various theatre productions. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and versatility, and soon became one of the most sought-after musical directors in London's West End. In 1958, he was appointed musical director of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where he worked on a number of successful productions, including "The Sound of Music" and "Oliver!" Ornadel's big break came in 1960, when he was asked to compose the music for the musical "Pickwick." The show was a huge success, running for over 600 performances and earning Ornadel his first major award, the Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical. This was followed by another hit musical, "The Good Old Bad Old Days," which ran for over 300 performances and earned Ornadel another Ivor Novello Award. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Ornadel continued to work on a number of successful musicals, including "Irma La Douce," "The Baker's Wife," and "The Boyfriend." He also worked on several film scores, including "The Magic Christian" and "The Night They Raided Minsky's." In 1977, Ornadel was appointed musical director of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, a position he held until 1984. During this time, he worked on a number of successful productions, including "My Fair Lady," "The King and I," and "42nd Street." He also composed the music for the hit musical "Barnum," which ran for over 600 performances and earned Ornadel his third Ivor Novello Award. In addition to his work in the theatre, Ornadel was also a prolific composer of concert music. He wrote a number of orchestral works, including a symphony and several concertos, as well as a number of choral works and songs. He also conducted a number of orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Ornadel's contributions to the world of musical theatre were recognized with a number of awards and honors. In addition to his three Ivor Novello Awards, he was also awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1976 for his services to music. He was also made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in 1983. Despite his success, Ornadel remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his performers. He was also a mentor to many young musicians and composers, and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. Cyril Ornadel passed away on August 22, 2011, at the age of 86. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. He will be remembered as one of the great musical talents of his generation, and as a true master of the art of musical theatre.

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