- Born
- Died
- Cyril Ornadel was born on December 2, 1924 in London, England, UK. He was a composer and writer, known for War of the Worlds (2005), Bruce Almighty (2003) and Moon (1970). He was married to Shoshana Shapira. He died on June 22, 2011 in Israel.
- SpouseShoshana Shapira(August 11, 1961 - June 22, 2011) (his death, 3 children)
- British composer and conductor, trained at the Royal College of Music. Beginning in the 1950's, he wrote scores for radio, stage and screen, as well as being musical director in residence at the London Palladium. Retired to Israel, where he wrote his autobiography "Reach for the Moon".
- "At My Time of Life" from Great Expectations was recorded by Bing Crosby in 1976.
- A highlight of his career included conducting the London Symphony Orchestra at Wembley Arena with music from The Strauss Family in 1973.
- In the early 1950s Ornadel formed a successful partnership with the actor and lyricist David Croft, to whom he had been introduced by Ian Carmichael. Together they wrote several hundred songs for variety shows for the BBC, Croft writing the lyrics and Ornadel composing and arranging the music.
- During the 1950s he was the youngest musical director in the West End, working on musicals such as Kiss Me Kate; Call Me Madam; Paint Your Wagon; Pal Joey; Wonderful Town; Kismet; and Plain And Fancy.
- I never knew what I wanted to do other than make music. I've been lucky. I've no regrets about my career whatsoever. I only regret that which I haven't done.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
