"Pittsburgh is like a second home to me," Hamlisch said. "I've conducted virtually everywhere—all around the world—and nowhere have I had the support and receptiveness of an audience as I do here in Pittsburgh."
In 2006-07, Hamlisch will conduct programs devoted to 1950s doo-wop music and Gershwin, as well as a collaboration with the "neo-swing" group Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Also on the schedule are a program of Burt Bacharach songs, led by the composer; a holiday program led by Robert Bernhardt, a program of John Williams' film music led by Erich Kunzel, and a Broadway program led by Jack Everly.
The composer of ten musicals and dozens of film scores, Hamlisch is the principal pops conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra as well as the PSO. He is the first person to hold the position with either orchestra.