Composer Marvin Hamlisch died Monday at the age of 68.
Hamlisch, well known for his film and theater scores, was also a fixture of the Dallas arts scene as the Principal Pops Conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
The Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe winner composed, conducted, and arranged music for films like "The Sting" and "The Way We Were," Broadway shows "A Chorus Line" and "Sweet Smell of Success," and hit pop songs "Break It to Me Gently" for Aretha Franklin and the Streisand classic "The Way We Were."
Hamlisch most famous work may be the adaption of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" ragtime song commonly used by ice cream trucks to attract attention.
After learning of his passing, the DSO sent out the following statement on his death:
"All of us at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra are shocked and saddened by the new this morning of the passing of Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch.
Marvin was a consummate musician and composer who in many ways revolutionized theater music, film scoring and popular song.
Marvin brought unrivaled professionalism and skill to his musical leadership with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Pops series. His natural grace at the piano, his humor and his elegant style in many genres of music delighted and charmed audiences, and impressed his fellow musicians the world over.
Everyone at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra sends our deepest condolences to Marvin’s family, friends and professional colleagues. Marvin Hamlisch was a true American original who will be deeply missed."
Hamlisch performed with the orchestra as a guest artist during the opening of the Meyerson Symphony Center in 1989. There he premiered an original work called "Anatomy of Peace," with the DSO, Dallas Symphony Chorus, and a boy soloist. He would return many times to Dallas to perform as a guest artist or conductor throughout the years.
Hamlisch became the DSO's Pops Conductor in 2010 and was scheduled to continue his third season with the DSO in three more announced performances this season. The orchestra says those shows will go on as scheduled with guest conductors.
