Music World Stunned by Passing of Marvin Hamlisch

By Terry Miller

Marvin Hamlisch, composer of ‘ A Chorus Line’ is dead at 68. The incredibly prolific composer who was also best known for songs like “ The Way We Were” collapsed after a brief illness and died Monday evening.
In a career that covered film, television, theater and recorded music, Hamlisch won every award possible. He was a 12-time Academy Award nominee, for his score and song contributions to films as varied as “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Sophie’s Choice” and a three-time Oscar winner for the score of “The Sting”. He won four Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards and a Tony Award for his score to the musical “A Chorus Line.”
Hamlisch had just started with the Pasadena Pops and as the season has been so successful at the new location for the Pops, Hamlish had just signed for three more years as the conductor.

The Pasadena Symphony and Pops issued the following statement this morning:
“The Pasadena Symphony and POPS are both shocked and devastated to learn about Marvin Hamlisch’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Terre, his family, and his friends and colleagues. During his time in Pasadena, he was beloved in our community and made an enormous impact with everyone he encountered. He brought a tireless humor and enthusiasm to the stage, and was loved by our audience, musicians, and staff. Marvin propelled the Pasadena POPS into a new and successful era, guided by his contributions to the Great American Songbook carrying on the legacies of Richard Rogers and George Gershwin. His was a giant in American music and a true national treasure.Marvin was here when we needed him with his vision and artistic guidance. He was a great friend and his music leaves an unforgettable legacy to the world. Marvin was a remarkable person and an incredible talent who will be dearly missed.”

The former longtime tenant of the Arboretum Summer concerts series, Cal Phil was in shock Tuesday and issued this statement from Maestro Victor Vener:
“I, along with millions of people around the world, am shocked and saddened by the news of the untimely passing yesterday of the highly-respected and decorated Marvin Hamlisch. It is tragic and we at Cal Phil are grieving the loss of the remarkable and talented composer who left an indelible mark in the industry…but more than that, in the lives of everyone, everywhere, who experienced the power and brilliance of his music and lyrics over the decades. Marvin undeniably leaves a legacy that will forever live through his music and in our hearts.” – Maestro Victor Vener

During a press conference announcing his new gig as Pops Conductor earlier this summer Hamlisch showed not only his marvelous talent on the piano but also his branded sense of humor kept the small gathering in stitches.
Hamlisch held the title of principal pops conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Pasadena Symphony and Pops, and the Seattle Symphony and the San Diego Symphony.

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