Michael Feinstein Succeeds Marvin Hamlisch as Pasadena Pops Conductor for the 2013 Season

According to the Los Angeles Times, singer and pianist Michael Feinstein will succeed Marvin Hamlisch as Pasadena Pops' lead conductor for the 2013 season. Hamlisch passed away on August 6, 2012, following a brief illness.

"It will take an enormous amount of work and study on my part to prepare," Feinstein told the LA Times. "It's a delicious challenge and I'll certainly be learning along the way."

Read the original report here.

Feinstein specializes in music from the Great American Songbook. He told the LA Times that this is his first experience leading an orchestra as conductor and that accepted the appointment not only because of his "emotional investment" but also in an attempt to keep Pasadena Pops' high-profile reputation climbing.

In taking on this role, Feinstein also steps into the brand new title of Marvin Hamlisch Chair. Feinstein and Hamlisch have taken the stage together in many concerts, and Feinstein was a part of the Pasadena Pops concert conducted by Hamlisch on July 21. The group will present a free tribute concert to Hamlisch on September 22, conducted by Larry Blank and hosted by Jason Alexander.

A five-time Grammy nominee, recording artist, singer and pianist, Feinstein has appeared on Broadway in All About Me (which he wrote), Michael Feinstein in Concert: Piano and Voice, Michael Feinstein in Concert: "Isn't It Romantic", and more. He won a Drama Desk Special Award in 1998 for celebrating American musical theatre songs. Feinstein owns the Manhattan nightclub and cabaret venue Feinstein's at Loews Regency.

Photo credit: Derek Storm

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