Andre Kostelanetz was a Russian-born American conductor and arranger, and one of the premier figures in popular orchestral music. He pioneered the use of lush orchestral arrangements of popular songs, creating a distinctive 'easy listening' sound that made him a radio and recording star. His work with the New York Philharmonic and his own orchestra brought both classical and popular music to millions of listeners. Over his long career, he commissioned significant works from contemporary composers and sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.