Late Composer Marvin Hamlisch Was 'A Friend To Pittsburgh'

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Marvin Hamlisch, the award-winning composer and conductor of the Pittsburgh Pops has died at age 68.

Hamlisch had strong ties to Pittsburgh and served as the principal pops conductor since 1994.

He had just signed another deal with the pops within the last year and was set to open the new season here in late September.

As a composer, he won three Academy Awards, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globes.

He composed music for Broadway shows and scores for more than 40 films, including "Sophie's Choice" and "The Way We Were."

He often referred to Pittsburgh as his second home, saying he loved the city.

Hamlisch formed relationships with the musicians and his performances at Heinz Hall were always packed.

Simply put, Hamlisch became a fixture and a friend here in Pittsburgh.

"He became such a good friend not only to me, but to Pittsburgh that you forget what he has accomplished in his life and that's to his credit and I think that is to his personality. He would do anything for a friend, he would do anything for the Pittsburgh Symphony," Michael Bielski with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra said.

According to a family spokesperson, Hamlisch collapsed and died on Monday, but no other details have been released.

His last performance at Heinz Hall was in June.

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