Bravo, symphony and ‘Manhattan Intermezzo’

Rockville Centre mayor Francis X. Murray presented Neil Sedaka with a citation from the village.

Theresa Press/Herals

Biegel and Sedaka greeted guests at the reception

Theresa Press/Herals

Symphony pianist and Lynbrook resident Jeffrey Biegel played

Theresa Press/Herals

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The South Shore Symphony packed the house at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College last Sunday as their special guest, music icon Neil Sedaka, and his wife, Leba, sat in the audience for a special reason: His classical composition “Manhattan Intermezzo” was making its New York debut, with Lynbrook resident Jeffrey Biegel at the piano.

“Because of my friendship with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra, I thought, ‘there are so many people who know and love Neil Sedaka — why not bring them this side of him?’” said Biegel in an earlier Herald interview. Biegel and Sedaka attended Julliard School of Music at different times.

Also included in the American Music repertoire were Rhapsody in Blue, played by Biegel, and symphonic dances from “West Side Story.” The orchestra was conducted by Musical Director Scott Jackson Wiley.

“Being able to bring Neil and his music to our local community is very important,” Biegel said. “People will see a side of him that they’ve never seen before — one that blends his pop and classical music, and also brings a sense of nostalgia and a love of New York.”

Rockville Centre mayor Francis X. Murray presented Sedaka with a citation from the village. A cocktail reception was held after the concert.