Huntington Arts Council Launches 'Artful Conversation' Series

The Huntington Arts Council is launching a new monthly series called "Artful Conversations." The first installment, "Can Classical Music Survive in a High-Tech World? A dialogue with Jeffrey Biegel," takes place Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at The Main Street Petite Gallery in Huntington.

The first discussion features acclaimed classical pianist Jeffrey Biegel in conversation with host Debbi Honorof, a Port Washington resident who is president of the Huntington Arts Council. 

They will discuss the current state of classical music and whether it can survive –and even thrive – in a high tech world. Organizers say the answers may surprise you.

"Artful Conversations is the Huntington Arts Council's new dialogue series featuring some of today’s most influential Arts leaders on Long Island – and beyond," Honorof said, when launching the series. 

"The series will present fascinating conversations – in an intimate setting – with performing artists, visual artists, authors, museum directors, actors, journalists, filmmakers, screenwriters, playwrights, television writers, and more," she added. "We are welcoming both members and non-members to join us each month as we delve into the intriguing and ever-changing world of the arts." 

"This is conversation you won’t hear anywhere else," she pointed out

Considered one of the great pianists of the 21st century, Long Island’s own Jeffrey Biegel has created a multi-faceted career as a pianist, recording artist, chamber music collaborator, composer and arranger. His electrifying technique and mesmerizing touch have received critical acclaim and garnered praise worldwide. 

Until the age of three, Biegel could neither hear nor speak, until corrected by surgery. The "reverse Beethoven" phenomenon can explain Biegel's life in music, having heard only vibrations in his formative years.  

Known for his standard-setting performances of the standard repertoire, Biegel is also a specialist in the music of George Gershwin.  As a member of the touring ensemble for the staged extravaganza, "Here To Stay: The Gershwin Experience,” Biegel has performed with symphony orchestras around the world. Extending his hands into the crossover world, he performed the premiere of his adaptation of pop legend Neil Sedaka's Manhattan Intermezzo for piano and orchestra with Orchestra Kentucky. His recent recordings include Life According to Chopin, A Grand Romance, and A Steinway Christmas Album. Learn more by visiting his website.

If you go: Admission is free for HAC members, suggested donation of $10 for non-members and reservations are recommended. Contact HAC at 631-271-8423, ext. 10.

Artful Conversations will take place each month. For additional information about upcoming guests for the series and other Huntington Arts Council events, visit www.huntingtonarts.org or call 631-271-8423.