Michael Feinstein to Succeed Marvin Hamlisch as Pasadena POPS Conductor

Singer and pianist Michael Feinstein has been named Principal Conductor of the Pasadena Pops, replacing late Marvin Hamlisch.

The Pasadena Symphony and Pops announced Friday its appointment of Feinstein, 55, to succeed the American musical genius Hamlisch, who unexpectedly passed away on August 6 after 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."

Coming from a varied musical background such as singing, song writing, conducting and playing piano, Feinstein has performed at prestigious places around the world such as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, the Hollywood Bowl, the White House, and Buckingham Palace.

Feinstein is also an interpreter, anthropologist and archivist for the repertoire known as the "Great American Songbook."

The five-time Grammy nominee has performed together with Hamlisch in many concerts, including the late musician's final appearance at a Pasadena Pops concert on July 21 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia.

Conducted by Larry Blank and hosted by actor Jason Alexander, the Pasadena Pops will hold a free tribute concert for Hamlisch on Sept. 22 on the steps of the City Hall in Pasadena.