2008 Woodie Awards
Award-winning composer to perform at SRU
By Jared Ursta
Rocket Assistant Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: Entertainment
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Marvin Hamlisch is the principle conductor of the Pittsburgh Pops and has the same title with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. Hamlisch resides in New York City but also has homes in Pittsburgh and D.C.
"When you live in D.C. you are a diplomat," Hamlisch said. "Even if I liked one city more I wouldn't admit it, I wouldn't say anything bad about temporary homes."
Hamlisch was born June 2, 1944 in New York City. At the age of 7, he was admitted to Juilliard School in New York City, making him the youngest ever to be accepted to the school. He graduated from Juilliard and Queens College, where he got a bachelor's degree.
Even though he has composed many different musical pieces, he does have a favorite composer.
"My favorite composer is Lenny Bernstein," Hamlisch said.
Hamlisch has branched out into other mediums with his music. He did nine Broadway plays between 1970-2002. He conducted the London Orchestra for Barbara Streisand's first British concert.
"Usually in the car I listen to music, Gypsies and West Side Story," Hamlisch said. "Those are some of my favorites, those are classics."
Hamlisch has won many different awards throughout his career. He won three Academy Awards in one night, becoming the first person to ever do that. He won awards for Best Original Song Score and/or Adaptation, Best Original Song, "The Way We Were" from "The Way We Were." He also won Best Original Dramatic Score from "The Way We Were." Among the long list of awards that he has won are four Grammys, one Tony, a Golden Globe and a Pulitzer Prize for "Chorus Line."
"The Pulitzer Prize is an interesting award. It differs from the Oscars. You don't know you are up for it and you get a phone call that you won," Hamlisch said. "The prize is not as competitive. It is a wonderful surprise."
Of all the awards he has won, he has one accomplishment that he is most proud of.
"Writing the music for 'Chorus Line,'" Hamlisch said.
This is not the first time Hamlisch has been associated musically with SRU. In years past, he has invited SRU chorus students to perform with the Pittsburgh Pops.
"I am very proud of the chorus; I think it brings the community together," Hamlisch said. "SRU has been with us since the beginning. I love the fact that SRU sends good enthusiastic people."
Hamlisch is also an avid baseball fan.
"I like the New York Yankees," Hamlisch said.
When it came to the job with the Pittsburgh Pops there were a couple of reasons why he came to Pittsburgh.
"Combo; it was a job offering and it is an honor to work with, in my opinion, one of the finest orchestras in the world," Hamlisch said.
With writing or composing, Hamlisch does prefer one over the other.
"Well, I really like both. If I only could do one I would write," Hamlisch said. "It leaves an indelible mark. It is your baby."
