Although he is ultimately best known as the director of one of the highest grossing block- busters of all time, there is hardly an artistic medium that Irvin Kershner hasn’t gotten his hands on.

Growing up in Philadelphia in the 1920s and 30s, Kershner (or “Kersh,” as he’s known) was immersed in the arts. He studied and performed classical violin and viola, actively pursuing his dream of becoming a composer and conductor during and after his high school years. Then, after serving three and a half years abroad in the Air Force during World War II, Kershner returned to the U.S. and changed his course from music to art.

With encouragement from a close friend, Kershner began (continued)