Cyril Ornadel was a British conductor, songwriter and composer chiefly in musical theatre died he was , 87.Cyril Ornadel was born in London. He studied at the Royal College of Music. As well as being musical director for a number of major West End shows, including the first London production of My Fair Lady, he composed several musicals of his own, including Pickwick (1963) (lyrics by Leslie Bricusse), starring Harry Secombe, Great Expectations (1975) starring John Mills, both adapted from Charles Dickens, and Treasure Island (1973) adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson and starring Bernard Miles and Spike Milligan. Great Expectations and Treasure Island (both with lyrics by Hal Shaper) were designated Best British Musical at the Ivor Novello Awards. He also penned the song Portrait of My Love (lyrics by Norman Newell), a hit for Matt Monro in 1960. At My Time of Life from Great Expectations was recorded by Bing Crosby in 1976.
(2 December 1924 – 22 June 2011)
Cyril Ornadel's contribution to music for television includes scores for Edward the Seventh (1975), starring Timothy West as Edward VII and the opening and closing titles of the British television science-fiction series Sapphire & Steel (1979). He also conducted music for The Strauss Family, by the eponymous composers. Cyril Ornadel's autobiography "Reach for the Moon" was published by The Book Guild in 2007.
He worked regularly with David Croft, the TV writer, director and producer.
Cyril had two sons, Guy and Dan. Guy Ornadel is a DJ on the UK circuit whilst Dan is a consultant in respiratory medicine working at Northwick Park Hospital.
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