Feinstein, who will have the new title of Marvin Hamlisch Chair at the Pasadena Pops, will assume the position during the 2013 season. It will mark the first time Feinstein has been the conductor of an orchestra.

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

In related news, the Pops will present a free tribute concert to the late Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Hamlisch Sept. 22. The 7 PM concert, held on the steps of Pasadena's City Hall, will be hosted by Jason Alexander. Larry Blank will conduct the orchestra.

A five-time Grammy nominee, Michael Feinstein is often credited with reinvigorating interest in the American popular song. The crooner has performed in concert halls around the world and on Broadway and now co-owns his own nightclub, Feinstein's at Loews Regency. His numerous solo recordings include "Fly Me to the Moon," "The Sinatra Project," "Michael and George: Feinstein Sings Gershwin," "Big City Rhythms" "Romance On Film, Romance On Broadway," "Michael Feinstein with The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra," "Only One Life: The Songs of Jimmy Webb" and "Hopeless Romantics." Feinstein was most recently on Broadway in the short-lived All About Me opposite Dame Edna Everage.

(Click here to read Playbill.com's obituary about Mr. Hamlisch.)