Overture Magazine 2013-2014 November-December 2013 | Page 15

to appear at a fundraiser or to host a group of school kids, or play in someone’s home for BSO donors, “Marvin never said no to anyone,” says Tucker. “With Marvin, it was always, ‘Sure, sure.’” Hamlisch came from a Broadway background where changes in the music were made on the fly, which brought a unique quality to his pops conducting. “I think something Marvin always imbued musicians with was honing their ability to be flexible, to change on a dime in a performance,” says current principal pops conductor Jack Everly, who met Hamlisch when Everly was conductor for the national company of They’re Playing My Song. “That sort of flexibility was unheard of 20 years ago … The flexibility, musicality and sense of joy that Marvin brought to the stage was rare, and I know the musicians felt those qualities and learned from his approach.” “He had that sixth sense of the great masters of ceremony,” says Everly. “He understood humor and how to utilize it.” And to honor him, the BSO’s SuperPops is performing a tribute to Hamlisch in January, with selections based partially on a list of songs Hamlisch left with his wife, Terri, in the event that there would ever be a concert of his music. “I found it very illuminating and deeply personal,” says Everly. “These are the choices Marvin made, and I was honored to put these in the program.” In October, the SuperPops performed the Streisand Songbook with Ann Hampton Callaway as vocalist. This, too, evoked Hamlisch, as he and Streisand became longtime friends after they met in 1964 when he was her rehearsal pianist. “ SuperPops at the Meyerhoff at a Glance Sci-Fi Spectacular narrated by Star Trek’s George Takei Friday, February 21, 2014 at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 8 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 3 p.m. Stayin Alive One Night of the Bee Gees Friday, March 28, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. All That Jazz: A Symphonic Celebration of Kander and Ebb Friday, May 16, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. For information on tickets, please contact the BSO ticket office, 410.783.8000 or BSOmusic.org. I found it very illuminating and deeply personal… These are the choices Marvin made, and I was honored to put these in the program — Jack Everly Personally, Everly is eagerly anticipating the Sci-Fi Spectacular, which will be narrated by Star Trek’s George Takei and will feature a “mind-blowing” laser display. After a March performance of hit music by the Bee Gees, the season will close with a celebration of Kander and Ebb with a cast of Broadway singers joining the BSO in performances of hits from Cabaret, Chicago and more. The season’s selections reflect Everly’s passion for melody, something he shares with Hamlisch. “Marvin had a clear idea ” of what made for great music, and for him, it was all about the melody,” says Tucker. For Hamlisch, everything hinged on the review: If opening night wasn’t reviewed by the local music critic, it was as if it hadn’t happened. This again, had everything to do with his Broadway experience. Given the outpouring of tributes inspired by Hamlisch and his astounding musical legacy, the life of Marvin Hamlisch has earned perennial rave reviews. Hamlisch came from a Broadway background where changes in the music were made on the fly, which brought a unique quality to his pops conducting. November– December 2013 | O v ertur e 13