Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch dies at 68

PanARMENIAN.Net - Marvin Hamlisch, who composed the scores for dozens of films including "The Sting" has died in Los Angeles aged 68, Belfast Telegraph said.

A family spokesman said he died on Monday, August 6 after a brief illness. Other details were not being released.

Hamlisch's career included composing, conducting and arranging music from Broadway to Hollywood. His movies included "The Way We Were" and "Sophie's Choice."

He won three Academy Awards, four Emmys and a Tony.

Hamlisch composed more than 40 film scores and won his third Oscar for his adaptation of Scott Joplin's music for "The Sting." On Broadway, Hamlisch received the Pulitzer Prize for long-running favourite "The Chorus Line" and wrote "The Goodbye Girl" and "Sweet Smell of Success."

He had been due to fly to Nashville, Tennessee, this week to see a production of his hit musical "The Nutty Professor."

Hamlisch also had a place in popular culture. Known for his nerdy look, complete with thick spectacles.

Hamlisch was principal pops conductor for symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Dallas, Pasadena, Seattle and San Diego. He was to be announced to the same position with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was due to lead the New York Philharmonic during its upcoming New Year's Eve concert.