Famous composer Marvin Hamlisch brought musical culture to Georgia Southern University when he made a special appearance at the Performing Arts Center Sunday afternoon.

Fans and classical music lovers gathered on a rainy January afternoon to welcome the winner of three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. The talented composer showed off his mastery of piano playing as he shared an array of his works with the audience.

Filled with excitement and classical appreciation, the audience found his appearance in Statesboro refreshing.

“It’s great, it really is. This is my second time seeing him and I drove all the way to Statesboro to see him perform,” Sue Anne Hearn from Savannah said.

Hamlisch performed his most famous works composed for musicals such as “A Chorus Line” and “The Goodbye Girl” as well as for movies like “The Way We Were” and “Ordinary People.”

Joining Hamlisch on stage for this performance was singer Stephen Lehew, who’s played roles in Broadway and made television appearances on shows such as PBS’s “Evening at Pop’s.”

The sounds of Hamlisch’s piano and his witty sense of humor riveted the crowd throughout the entire show. As he made amusing comments about the Statesboro people’s southern accent, the witnesses of this event found that he was a comical genius just as he was a musical genius.

During Hamlisch’s performance, he gave the notion that he loves to entertain and inspire his listeners. He also shared where he receives his inspiration along with the way he devises what music to write. He simply writes songs starting with a title. After asking an audience member for a sample title, Hamlisch displayed his gift for creating a musical masterpiece.

The resonance of the audience’s applause after every song exhibited the energy coming from every direction. Even those whose parents listened to the popular sounds of Hamlisch in the ‘70s now enjoy.

Jean and Laura James joined their mother at this performance because a lot of his music was widespread when they were “developing (their) taste in music.”

“I think I like piano music because it can evoke a wide range of emotions,” Atlanta resident Jean James, who was joined by her mother and sister, said.

Hamlisch continued to own the evening as he warmed the hearts of many with tasteful and familiar tunes such as “The Entertainer,” which he composed alongside famous composer and pianist Scott Joplin.

If there is one thing Hamlisch has to offer younger musicians besides his great legacy, it would be the advice to never stop moving in the direction of your dreams, but always have a “Plan B” for staying financially secure. He suggested that college students should take the summer before their junior year to live on their own without the support of their parents just to see what it’s like. Hamlisch also stated that if a student really wishes to conquer the arts, they not only have to want it with all their might, but they’ll need a second job to maintain stability.

“There is no reason to stop someone from getting what they want,” he said.

The show concluded beautifully with the score “One Song,” with Lehew’s classic vocals. Marvin Hamlisch departed, leaving GSU and the Statesboro community with a lovely song in their spirit.