Lalo Schifrin

The Profile

Lalo Schifrin (born 1932, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine-American composer, pianist, and conductor known for the Mission: Impossible theme and landmark film/TV scores. A jazz-rooted arranger and bandleader, he worked with Dizzy Gillespie and studied composition with Olivier Messiaen. His career spans from the 1950s across cinema, television, and concert music.

Composer of the Mission: Impossible theme; prolific film and TV scorer (including Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Enter the Dragon). Collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie and studied with Olivier Messiaen. Recipient of an Honorary Academy Award (2018).

Two DeBaser reviews celebrate Lalo Schifrin’s film music, spotlighting Bullitt and Cool Hand Luke. Writers praise his suspenseful jazz colors, genre-blending, and memorable themes. The reviews also note his Mission: Impossible theme, jazz pedigree with Dizzy Gillespie, and studies with Olivier Messiaen.