Biographical Note
William Cosel earned his bachelors degree at Saint Michael’s College (1958-1962) in Vermont, studying philosophy and theology in anticipation of a career as a missionary before developing an interest in television. He graduated with a masters degree in communications and journalism in 1963 from Boston University through a scholarship program sponsored by public television station WGBH. Cosel began his career at WGBH directing and producing children's programs and jazz and classical music shows, eventually becoming director of program production. He produced Evening at Pops for 35 years, from 1970 to 2004.
His freelance producer-director experience includes Andrea Bocelli: Sacred Arias from the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome, Italy. This PBS Great Performances program was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Classical Music-Dance Program in 2000. Cosel also produced The Three Tenors in Concert (1994); The Three Tenors with Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti at Giant's Stadium (1996); In Performance at the White House hosted by James Naughton, with Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Jennifer Holliday (1998); My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies, a gala evening at Carnegie Hall hosted by Julie Andrews featuring Liza Minnelli, Rosie O'Donnell, and the Rockettes (1999); and A Centennial Toast to [Boston’s] Symphony Hall (2002).