Kostal, Irwin

Irwin Kostal (1911-1994) was an American music conductor, orchestrator, and arranger during the twentieth century. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Kostal conducted and orchestrated music for a number of television programs between the 1940s and 1980s, including "Your Show of Shows" (1950-1954) and "The Jerry Lewis Show" (1963). He also conducted and orchestrated music for several television musicals between the 1950s and 1970s, including "Babes in Toyland" (1954) and "Chocolate Soldier" (1955). Kostal also worked in the motion picture industry and orchestrated and arranged music for several popular movies between the 1960s and 1980s, including "West Side Story" (1961). Kostal was also active in musical theater and served as orchestrator on a number of popular Broadway musicals between the 1950s and 1980s, including "Fiorello!" (1959-1961), "Tenderloin" (1960-1961), and "Sail Away" (1961-1962). In addition to his work in movies, television, and theater, Kostal served as an orchestrator and arranger for a number of performing artists, including Julie Andrews. He also orchestrated and arranged music for several television commercials during the 1950s and 1960s, including those for Scott Paper Napkins and Lentheric Perfume.