SFA to present 'An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch'

The SFA College of Fine Arts will present "An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of the 2009-1020 University Series.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - East Texans will have the rare opportunity to be entertained by one of the most highly acclaimed American composers when the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts presents "An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

Hamlisch will share with the audience many of the songs he composed for over 50 theatrical shows and films-and the stories surrounding them-as well as songs written by Cole Porter, Richard Rogers and Scott Joplin.

The winner of three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony, and a Pulitzer Prize, Hamlisch is one of only two people to have won at least one of each award. The other is Richard Rogers. Hamlisch also has three Golden Globes to his credit.

Both his Tony and Pulitzer Prize were awarded for his score for the Broadway musical "A Chorus Line." In addition to the three Oscars he received for his work on "The Way We Were" and "The Sting," he has received nine other Academy Award nominations for films such as "Sophie's Choice," "Ice Castles" and "The Spy Who Loved Me."

Hamlisch continues to be an acclaimed composer. In 2009, "The Informant!" starring Matt Damon, received nominations in the 2009 Best Original Score category from five separate entities, including the Golden Globes and the Chicago Film Critics Association.

He also remains active as the principal pops conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony and San Diego
Symphony.

"An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch," which is sponsored in part by Commercial Bank of Texas, is a part of the 2009-2010 University Series.

Prior to the performance, Dr. Stephen Lias, SFA associate professor of composition, will give an informative talk at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, located across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception.

Tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS to purchase tickets.

Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr.