Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music
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| Art Song, Human Connection: Blair Boone-Migura on Culture, Courage, and the Next Chapter of ASPSNY | 20 Oct 2026 | 01:38:05 | |
Blair Boone-Migura, founder and executive director of The Art Song Preservation Society of New York, joins The Piano Pod for a conversation about art song, human connection, preservation, transmission, and the next chapter of ASPSNY. A voice teacher, vocal coach, pianist, arts leader, former public radio host, and cultural commentator, Blair has spent 17 years building ASPSNY into a home for singers, pianists, teachers, and audiences devoted to the art song tradition. In this episode, Blair reflects on the founding of ASPSNY, the influence of his mentor Mary Trueman, the Summer of Song Festival, and why art song is not merely repertoire but a meeting place for language, poetry, culture, family, mentorship, and artistic courage. We also discuss ASPSNY’s 10-year chapter at Manhattan School of Music, the exciting next chapter Blair reveals in the episode, his upcoming Henri Duparc project, the role of the pianist in art song, and what it means to preserve music by transmitting it to the next generation. MUSIC PLAYLISTS Explore music connected to Season 7 conversations: YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQF8HfwotO3k&si=snVvR8HG76HjmBYs Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eSQjDR7tMVdeicHO23FwV?si=G_M4LAofTfiADhy9foe8Cg LEARN MORE 🎶 The Art Song Preservation Society of New York https://www.artsongpreservationsocietyny.org/ 🎤 Blair Boone-Migura https://www.blairboone-migura.com/ 📷 ASPSNY on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artsongpreservationsocietyny/ 📷 Blair Boone-Migura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blairboonenyc/ FOLLOW THE PIANO POD 📩 Subscribe to The Piano Pod newsletter and receive our free PDF, 12 Lessons from Season 6: https://the-piano-pod-with-yukimi-song.kit.com/b24ee970d9 🌐 Visit The Piano Pod: https://thepianopod.com If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the channel, share the episode, and tell us what stayed with you in the comments. #ThePianoPod #ArtSong #ASPSNY #BlairBooneMigura #ArtSongPreservationSociety #ClassicalMusic #VocalMusic #CollaborativePiano #CultureAndCourage | |||
| Official Trailer: Art Song, Human Connection | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:01:40 | |
🎹 TRAILER | Art Song, Human Connection For Season 7 Episode 2 of The Piano Pod, we welcome longtime supporter and friend Blair Boone-Migura, founder and executive director of The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (ASPSNY). From ASPSNY’s 17-year journey and the Summer of Song Festival to the organization’s exciting next chapter, Blair shares his story and his commitment to preserving art song through culture, mentorship, and human connection. 🎬 Join us for the YouTube premiere on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET! 👉 https://youtu.be/GwoLic1zCjU?si=RSjHx5IqpeoxeUjS 🎧 The audio episode will also be available on October 20 wherever you listen to podcasts: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ #ThePianoPod #BlairBooneMigura #ASPSNY #ArtSong #CultureAndCourage #ClassicalMusic | |||
| Steel, Violet, Rage at Carnegie Hall - SEASON 7 ALUMNI EPISODE 1 | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:45:55 | |
This episode is brought to you by the Alexander & Buono Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping promising classical musicians launch and sustain their careers while cultivating new audiences for classical music. Learn more Pianists Anna and Dmitri Shelest of the Shelest Piano Duo join Maestro Michael Hall, Artistic Director of the Brandywine Valley Symphony, for a conversation about music, collaboration, and the upcoming U.S. premiere of Ukrainian composer Oleh Bezborodko’s Steel, Violet, Rage. On October 18, the Shelest Piano Duo will perform with the Brandywine Valley Symphony Chamber Orchestra at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The concert opens Razom for Ukraine’s fourth annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival, taking place across New York City from October 18 through November 6. The program also features Valentyn Silvestrov’s The Messenger, Philip Glass’s Tirol Concerto, and Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. In this episode, Anna, Dmitri, and Maestro Hall discuss the ideas connecting these works, the unusual demands of performing a concerto for piano four hands and orchestra, and what music can preserve and communicate during a time of war. This episode is presented with the support of the Alexander & Buono Foundation. CONCERT INFORMATION Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall 🎟️ Get Your Tickets PERFORMANCE EXCERPTS • Leonard Bernstein: Overture to Candide, arranged for piano four hands by Charlie Harmon — Anna and Dmitri Shelest • Valentyn Silvestrov: The Messenger, piano solo version — Anna Shelest • Oleh Bezborodko: “Steel” from Steel, Violet, Rage — Anna and Dmitri Shelest • Philip Glass: Truman Sleeps from The Truman Show — Anna Shelest Please note: Truman Sleeps is included as an additional performance excerpt and is not part of the October 18 concert program. LEARN MORE 🎹 Anna Shelest and the Shelest Piano Duo: HERE 🎻 Brandywine Valley Symphony: HERE 🇺🇦 Ukrainian Cultural Festival 2026: HERE 🇺🇦 Razom for Ukraine: HERE FOLLOW THE PIANO POD 📩 Subscribe to The Piano Pod newsletter and receive our free PDF, 12 Lessons from Season 6: HERE 🌐 Visit The Piano Pod: HERE If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the channel, share the episode, and tell us what stayed with you in the comments. #ThePianoPod #ShelestPianoDuo #UkrainianMusic | |||
| OFFICIAL TRAILER: Two pianists. One piano. A U.S. premiere at Carnegie Hall. | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:01:36 | |
Here is the trailer for Steel, Violet, Rage at Carnegie Hall, a special Season 7 Alumni Episode of The Piano Pod. Pianists Anna and Dmitri Shelest of the Shelest Piano Duo join Maestro Michael Hall, Artistic Director of the Brandywine Valley Symphony, to take us behind their October 18 performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The concert opens Razom for Ukraine’s fourth annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival and features the U.S. premiere of Ukrainian composer Oleh Bezborodko’s Steel, Violet, Rage—a concerto for piano four hands and orchestra. 📺 Watch the full episode beginning Tuesday, October 6, at 8:00 p.m. ET: https://youtu.be/G-TaXMoWDu0 🎟️ Concert tickets: https://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2026/10/18/shelest-piano-duo-with-the-brandywine-valley-symphony-chamber-orchestra-michae-0100pm This special episode is brought to you by the Alexander & Buono Foundation: https://www.alexanderbuono.org/ LISTEN TO OUR SEASON 7 PLAYLISTS Explore the piano works mentioned throughout Season 7 of The Piano Pod. 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eSQjDR7tMVdeicHO23FwV ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQF8HfwotO3k #ThePianoPod #ShelestPianoDuo #MichaelHall #UkrainianMusic #CarnegieHall #CultureAndCourage | |||
| Carrying Memory Forward: Pianist, Composer & Author Inna Faliks on Odesa, Stranger Things, and the Courage to Reimagine | 22 Sep 2026 | 01:01:15 | |
Season 7 begins with Yamaha Artist, composer, author, and UCLA professor Inna Faliks. In this conversation, we explore her recent album Stranger Things: Piano Works from a Young Refugee’s Backpack, the childhood compositions she carried with her from Odesa, her 2024 album Manuscripts Don’t Burn, her relationship with literature and contemporary music, Gabriel Prokofiev’s Minimoog concerto, her memoir Weight in the Fingertips, and the teachers and experiences that shaped her artistic voice. From memory and migration to artistic curiosity and reinvention, Inna’s story opens our Season 7 theme: Culture & Courage. 🎧 Sounds of Inspiration — Season 7 Playlist: Listen to music mentioned throughout Season 7, including selections from Inna Faliks’s latest album, Stranger Things, on YouTube or Spotify [Inna Faliks] 🌐 Website 🎧 Spotify [The Piano Pod] 📩 Subscribe to The Piano Pod newsletter and receive our free PDF, 12 Lessons from Season 6. 🌐 Website | |||
| Official Trailer: "Carrying Memory Forward" feat. Inna Faliks | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:01:40 | |
From childhood compositions carried out of Odesa to performing a concerto on Minimoog, Inna Faliks has built an artistic life around memory, curiosity, and reinvention. What happens when the music you wrote as a child returns decades later? Here’s the trailer for the Season 7 premiere of The Piano Pod: Carrying Memory Forward, featuring Yamaha Artist, composer, and author Inna Faliks. We talk about her latest album, Stranger Things: Piano Works from a Young Refugee’s Backpack, her other boundary-expanding recordings, memoir, and collaboration with Gabriel Prokofiev. 🎹 Premieres Tuesday, September 22 at 8 PM ET. ▶️ Set a reminder for the premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIHO7Swp5Aw | |||
| Welcome to Season 7: Culture & Courage | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:08:07 | |
Welcome to Season 7 of The Piano Pod: Culture & Courage. After six seasons and more than 100 episodes, the show is entering a new chapter. In this short introduction, host Yukimi Song shares what is changing, why the podcast is moving to a monthly schedule, and how her own evolving identity and work inspired this season’s theme. What remains unchanged is the heart of The Piano Pod: thoughtful, authentic conversations that look beyond professional biographies to discover the people and stories behind the work. Season 7 officially begins on September 22 with Ukrainian-born American pianist Inna Faliks. Follow The Piano Pod on your favorite podcast platform and join us for the season ahead. | |||
| Introducing Season 7: Culture & Courage | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:05:51 | |
Know someone who embodies Culture & Courage? I'm currently curating Season 7 of The Piano Pod and looking for musicians, educators, composers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders who are expanding what it means to be an artist today. If someone comes to mind—or if that person is you—I would love to hear from you. Please submit your nomination here: Nominate Guest Here | |||
| Spirit, Body, and Soul: Pianist & Composer David Berry on Virtuosity, Creativity, and Artistic Identity | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:26:40 | |
How do we bring our full musical selves to the stage? In this Season 6 finale of The Piano Pod, concert pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and artistic leader David Berry joins host Yukimi Song for a rich and deeply personal conversation on virtuosity, improvisation, composition, contemporary music, artistic identity, and the connections that unite seemingly different musical worlds. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School, Berry has built a multifaceted career as a performer, educator, curator, and advocate. Equally at home with Liszt, George Walker, James P. Johnson, contemporary composers, and his own original works, he embodies the spirit of this season’s theme: Creativity and Connection. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear excerpts from Berry’s own compositions and arrangements, including Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho and Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child. Featured Music & Recordings
Publications
David Berry The Piano Pod
#DavidBerry #ThePianoPod #PianoPodcast #ClassicalMusic | |||
| Official Trailer: Season 6 Finale "Spirit, Body, & Soul" feat. David Berry | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:01:50 | |
🎙️ SEASON 6 FINALE TRAILER How do we bring our full musical selves to the stage? In the Season 6 finale of The Piano Pod 🎙, host Yukimi Song sits down with concert pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and artistic leader David Berry for a rich and deeply personal conversation on virtuosity, improvisation, composition, contemporary music, and artistic identity. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School, Berry has built a multifaceted career as a performer, educator, curator, and advocate. Equally at home with Liszt, George Walker, James P. Johnson, contemporary music, and his own original works, he embodies the spirit of this season's theme: Creativity and Connection. Join us as we explore what it means to bring heart, soul, and one's authentic musical self to the stage. 🎧 Spirit, Body, and Soul: Pianist David Berry on Virtuosity, Creativity, and Artistic Identity 📅 Premieres Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 8 PM ET ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMkiqc0BoAQ 🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ 💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content https://thepianopod.substack.com 🎙️ Nominate a Guest for Season 7: Culture and Courage https://forms.gle/NPxggt25PU2CaKFD9 🌐 Website https://instagram.com/thepianopod https://facebook.com/thepianopod 🔗 All Links #DavidBerry #ThePianoPod #ClassicalMusic #PianoPodcast #ConcertPianist #Composition #Improvisation #CreativityAndConnection #EastmanSchoolOfMusic #Juilliard | |||
| Sound Liberation: Joe Williams on Black Artistry, Legacy & Belonging in Concert Music | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:41:51 | |
What does it mean to become a "Sound Liberator"? In this episode of The Piano Pod, pianist, composer, educator, filmmaker, scholar, and advocate Joe Williams joins host Yukimi Song for a wide-ranging conversation on artistry, legacy, belonging, improvisation, education, and the evolving landscape of concert music. Currently pursuing a PhD in composition at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Williams has built a multifaceted career championing composers of African descent while developing his own distinctive creative voice. From premiering new works and producing documentary films to contributing scholarship on Florence Price and composing music rooted in liberation, spirituality, and human connection, Williams exemplifies what it means to be a 21st-century artist. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear musical excerpts featuring works by Florence Price, Maria Thompson Corley, Richard Thompson, Brian Raphael Nabors, and Joe Williams himself. 🎹 Featured Music & Performances
👤 Joe Williams Instagram: @soundliberator 🎙️ The Piano Pod
#JoeWilliams #ThePianoPod #FlorencePrice #BrianRaphaelNabors #MariaThompsonCorley #ConcertMusic #ContemporaryClassical #Juneteenth #PianoPodcast #ClassicalMusic | |||
| Official Trailer: "Sound Liberation" feat. Joe Williams, Sound Liberator | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:01:58 | |
🎙️ NEW TRAILER: Sound Liberation What does it mean to be a Sound Liberator? In our upcoming episode of The Piano Pod, pianist, composer, educator, and scholar Joe Williams reflects on artistry, identity, freedom, Black excellence, and the power of music to preserve histories and connect communities. “My responsibility is really to free people through my art.” A powerful conversation on belonging, authenticity, representation, and what it means to move through the world on your own terms. 🎧 Sound Liberation: Joe Williams on Black Artistry, Legacy & Belonging in Concert Music 📅 Premieres Tuesday, June 2 at 8 PM ET 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zogy7Vs75mo #ThePianoPod #JoeWilliams #SoundLiberation #Juneteenth #BlackArtistry #ConcertMusic #ContemporaryClassical #Pianist #Composer #ClassicalMusic | |||
| Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni reflects on a life in music | 19 May 2026 | 01:48:53 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by Steinway Artist, pianist, and pedagogue Dr. Oscar Macchioni. Born in Argentina, shaped by years of study in Poland, and now serving as Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of North Texas, Macchioni reflects on a life in music that moves across borders — culturally, intellectually, and artistically. A central focus of this conversation is his album Mostly Tangos: Piano Music from the Americas. But this episode goes far beyond tango itself. Together, we explore artistic identity, the dangers of labels, concert programming, the evolution of tango into concert music, and how composers such as Astor Piazzolla, William Bolcom, and Karol Szymanowski shaped Macchioni’s artistic world. We also discuss his years teaching in the culturally rich border community of El Paso, Texas, his philosophy on piano pedagogy, and the role universities and artists can play in building meaningful human connection through music. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on artistry, cultural identity, education, and how music continues to travel across generations and borders. 🎹 Borderland Chopin International Competition 📖 Read the “Meet Our Guest” blog 💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content 🎙 Nominate Guests for Season 7 📱 Follow The Piano Pod | |||
| Official Trailer: "Beyond Borders" feat. Oscar Macchioni, Steinway Artist & Pedagogue | 18 May 2026 | 00:01:42 | |
Here is the Trailer for: Season 6 Episode 18: Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni Reflects on a Life in Music In our upcoming episode, we welcome Steinway Artist and renowned piano pedagogue Dr. Oscar Macchioni. This conversation goes far beyond tango. Together, we explore: • tango as a universal concert genre • artistic labels and misconceptions • audience engagement and concert programming • Szymanowski and William Bolcom • music across borders and cultures • and the evolving role of classical music today Born in Argentina, shaped by years of study in Poland, and now based in Texas, Macchioni reflects on a life in music rooted in curiosity, cultural connection, and artistic exploration. 🎧 Season 6, Episode 18 premieres tomorrow — Tuesday, May 19 at 8 PM ET on YouTube and all major audio platforms. ▶️ YouTube Premiere: https://youtu.be/_sDxpwSBb-k?si=npr-uxApcF1eieIF 🎙 Audio Platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ 📝 Meet Our Guest Blog: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-dr-oscar-macchioni?r=2q1iy3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true #ThePianoPod #OscarMacchioni #ClassicalMusic #Piano #Tango #KarolSzymanowski #WilliamBolcom #PianoPedagogy | |||
| Music As Witness feat. Concert Pianist, Anna Shelest | 05 May 2026 | 01:49:11 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by concert pianist Anna Shelest. Her work spans major orchestral collaborations, recording projects, and repertoire advocacy — but this conversation centers on her latest album A Romantic from Kharkiv; Music of Sergei Bortkiewicz and the deeper artistic and cultural meaning behind it. Together, we explore how music becomes a form of testimony — shaped by memory, identity, and history — and how Shelest’s connection to Kharkiv, Ukraine informs her interpretation of Bortkiewicz’s music. We also discuss her Donna Voce project, her collaboration with conductor Neeme Järvi on Anton Rubinstein’s piano concertos, and her work as part of the Shelest Piano Duo with her husband, Dmitri Shelest. This episode is sponsored by the Alexander & Buono Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting classical musicians through performance opportunities, recordings, and artistic development. This episode offers a powerful reflection on rediscovery, cultural heritage, and the role of classical music in today’s world. 📖 Read the blog (Meet Our Guest): Anna Shelest — Concert Pianist 🎧 Listen to Anna Shelest on Spotify 🎬 Explore more video clips on YouTube💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content on Substack 🎵 Listen to the Season 6 Piano Playlist NOMINATE GUESTS FOR SEASON 7: https://forms.gle/z3Q78dtTBbe5hdYr9 📫 Join our Newsletter 🌐 Visit our Website 📱 Follow The Piano Pod on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 🔗 Access all links via Linktree 🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music. | |||
| Official Trailer: Season 6 Eps.17 "Music as Witness" feat. Anna Shelest | 04 May 2026 | 00:02:07 | |
🎬 TRAILER — Music as Witness What does it mean for music to carry memory? In this upcoming episode of The Piano Pod, concert pianist Anna Shelest traces her roots from Kharkiv, Ukraine—through forgotten voices and the music of women composers she continues to bring into focus. This is not about novelty. It is about identity, history, and a lifelong artistic search for voice. Throughout the episode, you will hear music you may not know— but through her playing, it becomes immediate, human, and deeply felt. Music as Witness — On Ukraine, forgotten repertoire, and the power of music 🎥 Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/3hhPfbBdrSE?si=3oOBMmsjGGdpLwHt 🎧 Listen on audio platforms: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ 📅 Premieres Tuesday, May 5 at 8 PM ET | |||
| Joy Luck Trio -- Groundbreaking Pipa-Erhu-Piano Trio | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:20:50 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, we welcome Joy Luck Trio — a newly formed ensemble bringing together pianist Donna Weng Friedman, pipa virtuoso Gao Hong, and erhu virtuoso Karen Han-Ottosson. Together, these three Chinese-American artists unite piano, pipa, and erhu in a rare chamber collaboration rooted in heritage and shaped by contemporary expression. In this conversation, we explore how the trio first came together, the histories and sound worlds of the pipa and erhu, what makes these instruments distinct from Western strings, and the remarkable artistic journeys that led each member to this moment. We also discuss Gao Hong’s expansive career as a pipa virtuoso and composer, Karen Han’s work on major Hollywood soundtracks, Donna’s recent creative accomplishments, and the trio’s artistic vision, repertoire, and the origin of the name Joy Luck Trio. This episode is about identity, reinvention, artistry, and the excitement of building something new after decades of achievement.
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🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music. | |||
| Official Trailer: Season 6 Episode 16 feat. Joy Luck Trio | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:01:57 | |
What happens when piano, pipa, and erhu come together in one ensemble? Tonight on The Piano Pod, meet Joy Luck Trio — Donna Weng Friedman, Gao Hong, and Karen Han-Ottosson — three acclaimed artists creating a bold new chamber voice rooted in heritage, virtuosity, and contemporary expression. In this powerful conversation, we explore the origins of the trio, the fascinating histories of the pipa and erhu, remarkable careers spanning concert halls and film soundtracks, and the excitement of building something entirely new together. 🎬 Full episode premieres tonight at 8 PM ET https://youtu.be/3ckAaOLwkjs?si=zxd26EgPelhvrvGe 🎧 Audio released simultaneously: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-piano-pod-a-global-hub-for-innovation/id1542535778 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tVYe2x1yILfaJm1yjyt2P?si=6e315e2c003b49a6 See you tonight. #ThePianoPod #JoyLuckTrio #Pipa #Erhu #Piano #MusicPodcast #ClassicalMusic #ChineseAmericanArtists | |||
| The Sound of Perseus feat. Composer & Conductor Michael Ostrzyga | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:26:59 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by composer, conductor, & Music Director at Univeristy of Cologne, Michael Ostrzyga His work spans composition, conducting, editorial scholarship, and large-scale projects — but this conversation centers on his piano writing, especially his recent solo album Perseus. Together, we explore how music begins — whether from structure, memory, or sound itself — and how these ideas shape a body of work that moves between tradition and exploration. We also discuss his pedagogical work Der singende Wind, his early musical formation, and his recent arrangement of Beethoven’s Mass in C for four-hand piano and harmonium, commissioned by the Harvard Choruses. This episode offers a deeper look into the relationship between structure and intuition, and how personal experience finds its way into music.
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| Official Trailer: Season 6 Eps.15, The Sound of Perseus feat. Michael Ostrzyga, Composer | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:01:38 | |
Here is the trailer for Season 6, Episode 15 of The Piano Pod. Guest: Michael Ostrzyga — Composer & Conductor In this episode, we explore his piano writing, centered around his album Perseus — a body of work shaped by structure, memory, and lived experience. In our conversation, we talked about:
🎥 YouTube Premiere tonight at 8:00 PM ET (April 7): https://youtu.be/M_932Hlo-Xg?si=UB8J69nP3tM03Fyi 🎧 Audio (available on all platforms): https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 📕Read our blog about Michael Ostrzyga: https://thepianopod.substack.com/p/meet-our-guest-michael-ostrzyga-composer Join us tonight. | |||
| The Infinite Staircase feat. Concert Pianist, Han Chen | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:18:57 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, concert pianist Han Chen joins TPP for a deep conversation about virtuosity, vision, and what it means to build something meaningful in today’s classical music landscape. Han Chen is a GRAMMY Award–nominated pianist known for his fearless approach to some of the most demanding repertoire in the piano canon — from György Ligeti’s Complete Piano Études to Beethoven’s Hammerklavier. His recent recording of Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra has brought renewed attention to one of the most compelling American concertos of the 20th century. Beyond performance, Han is also a curator and creator. His large-scale project Infinite Staircase pairs all 18 Ligeti Études with 18 newly commissioned works by living composers, expanding the repertoire while rethinking what a piano program can be. This episode offers a rare look into the mind of a pianist who is not only performing at the highest level, but actively shaping the future of classical music. In This Episode, We Talk About
Learn More About Han Chen The Piano Pod
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| Official Trailer ✅: The Infinite Staircase feat. GRAMMY-nominated Pianist Han Chen | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:01:26 | |
Here is the trailer for our upcoming episode with GRAMMY-nominated pianist Han Chen. From mastering Ligeti to building Infinite Staircase, this conversation goes beyond performance — into vision, risk, and creating something that lasts. 🎥 Premieres tonight at 8 PM ET: https://youtu.be/2JqDeHYSk58?si=QgFPTfWf0ch_7WBl 🎧 Audio: https://linktr.ee/thepianopodaudio Read Our Blog: https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-han-chen-concert-pianist?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web | |||
| Accents of Love feat. Pianist and Singer-Songwriter, Vivian Fang Liu | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:32:51 | |
Accents of Love: Vivian Fang Liu on Artistry, Belonging, and Music for the Next Generation The Piano Pod — Season 6, Episode 13 In this episode of The Piano Pod, pianist, singer-songwriter, composer, educator, and music researcher Vivian Fang Liu joins host Yukimi Song for a powerful conversation about identity, creativity, and the role of music in shaping the next generation. Vivian Fang Liu is a classically trained pianist whose work spans classical performance, cross-genre songwriting, children’s music, and music education research. Her award-winning children’s album Accents of Love (2023) invites young listeners to celebrate their voices, languages, and identities through imaginative storytelling and vibrant musical production. Throughout the conversation, Vivian shares the inspiration behind her children’s music, her journey immigrating to the United States at age fifteen, and how themes of belonging, cultural identity, and resilience shape both her artistry and her educational work. This episode explores how music can empower children to embrace who they are while also building bridges across cultures and communities. Listen to Vivian Fang Liu Children's Music Learn More About Vivian Fang Liu Meet Our Guest: Vivian Fang Liu https://substack.com/home/post/p-190096545 The Piano Pod
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| Official Trailer for Season 6 Eps.13 Vivian Fang Liu | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:01:33 | |
Here is the trailer for our upcoming episode of The Piano Pod. Concert pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer Vivian Fang Liu joins us for a powerful conversation about music, identity, and belonging. From her award-winning children’s albums to cross-genre artistry shaped by classical piano, Vivian shares how her work brings together performance, storytelling, and education to empower the next generation. 🎥 Full episode premieres tonight, March 17, at 8 PM ET on YouTube.https://youtu.be/bH4YCXAZX5M 🎧 The audio episode will be released simultaneously on all podcast platforms. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring conversation. #ThePianoPod #VivianFangLiu #AccentsOfLove #PodcastPremiere #MusicAndIdentity | |||
| "Sapiens: A Human History at the Piano" feat. Sean Hickey, Composer | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:26:54 | |
Composer Sean Hickey joins The Piano Pod to discuss Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind — his monumental piano cycle inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s bestselling book. From imagined orders and human cooperation to empire, biology, AI, and the future of artistic sustainability, this episode explores what it means to create — and remain human — in a rapidly changing world. Performed by pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev, Sapiens translates big philosophical questions into sound, structure, and silence. This conversation moves from macro-history to the deeply personal — from Detroit and electric guitar to leading major recording labels — and ultimately asks: What allows music to endure?
From Harari’s sweeping vision of human history to the realities of AI in today’s music industry, this episode centers on one enduring question: How do we remain authentic — and human — in the age of acceleration? If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to support independent classical media. [SEAN HICKEY - Composer and Record Label Executive]
[THE PIANO POD]
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| Official Trailer: "Sapiens - A Human History on the Piano feat. Sean Hickey | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:01:43 | |
🎥 Here is the trailer for our new eps featuring Sean Hickey, Composer/Record Label Executive Composer Sean Hickey joins The Piano Pod to discuss Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind for the Piano — his monumental piano cycle inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s bestselling book. From imagined orders and human cooperation to empire, biology, AI, and the future of artistic sustainability, this conversation explores what it means to create — and remain human — in a rapidly accelerating world. Performed by pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev, Sapiens translates sweeping philosophical questions into sound, structure, and silence. This episode moves from macro-history to the deeply personal — from Detroit and electric guitar to leading major international record labels — and ultimately asks: What allows music to endure? 📆 Join the premiere tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, at 8:00 PM ET. 📺 Set a reminder and join us live via YouTube: https://youtu.be/sx0nR48wNYg 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 📖 Read our blog review on Substack: https://thepianopod.substack.com/p/meet-our-guest-sean-hickey-composer | |||
| "Building Artists Through Music & Mentorship" Pavlina Dokovska on Pedagogy, Leadership, and the Mannes International Piano Festival | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:51:56 | |
This surprise bonus episode was created in collaboration with Mannes School of Music at The New School. In this conversation, I sit down with Pavlina Dokovska — internationally active concert pianist, Chair of the Piano Department at Mannes School of Music, and Artistic Director of the Mannes International Piano Festival — to explore what it truly means to build artists in today’s musical and cultural moment. We discuss serious piano study, long-term mentorship, artistic identity, and the role institutions play in shaping the next generation of musicians. Toward the end of the episode, you will also hear from Jiwon Yang, current Mannes graduate student and First Prize winner of the George and Elizabeth Gregory Concerto Competition, sharing her experience studying in downtown Manhattan and participating in the festival.
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🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, mentorship, and the future of classical music. | |||
| Official Trailer: Building Artists Through Music & Mentorship feat. Pavlina Dokovska | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:01:35 | |
🚨 Bonus Episode Drops Tonight Here’s the trailer. Building Artists Through Music & Mentorship with Pavlina Dokovska What does it really take to build an artist? In this special collaboration, The Piano Pod sits down with Pavlina Dokovska — internationally active concert pianist, Chair of the Piano Department at Mannes School of Music, and Artistic Director of the Mannes International Piano Festival — for a candid conversation on serious piano study, mentorship, and artistic formation. We discuss: • Why long-term training still matters • Balancing rigor and humanity in teaching • How community shapes resilient musicians • The vision behind the Mannes International Piano Festival You’ll also hear from Jiwon Yang, a Mannes graduate student and First Prize winner of the George and Elizabeth Gregory Concerto Competition, on what it feels like to train in an environment defined by intensity and support. 🎧 Premiering tonight at 8:00 PM ET 📺 YouTube: https://youtu.be/pMt6Jb-zOD4 🎙 Audio platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio A conversation about leadership, responsibility, and how artists are formed. | |||
| “Fearless Vision” Asiya Korepanova on Extreme Repertoire, Interdisciplinary Creation, and Artistic Risk | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:48:53 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, host Yukimi Song sits down with pianist, composer, visual artist, and poet Asiya Korepanova for a wide-ranging conversation on extreme repertoire, transcription as a creative act, long-form artistic commitment, and what it means to think at scale as a musician today. Born into a deeply musical family in Izhevsk, Russia, and now based in the United States, Asiya’s career is defined by projects many would consider “impossible”: performing the complete solo piano works of Rachmaninoff during the composer’s 150th-anniversary year, Liszt’s 24 Études, and Bach’s complete Well-Tempered Clavier. In this conversation, Asiya reflects on what draws her to repertoire that unfolds over years rather than hours, and how long-form thinking shapes her artistic identity. A central focus of the episode is Asiya’s work as a transcriber. She speaks candidly about transcription as a form of composition—an act she once described as “taming a wild animal”—and how her deep understanding of orchestral, vocal, and chamber music informs the way she reimagines works for solo piano. We hear excerpts from her transcriptions of Mussorgsky’s Songs and Dances of Death and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, alongside reflections on craft, risk, and responsibility. The conversation also explores Asiya’s work beyond performance: her compositions, her multidisciplinary projects that integrate visual art and poetry, her commitment to education and access through her nonprofit Music for Minds, and her curatorial leadership at Festival Baltimore and Festival Flatiron NYC. This episode offers a rare, unfiltered look into the inner life of an artist whose work is driven not by spectacle, but by depth, rigor, and fearless vision. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
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| Official Trailer: "Fearless Vision" feat. Asiya Korepanova, Pianist/Composer/Visual Artist | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:01:39 | |
🎬 Official Trailer — Fearless Visionwith Asiya Korepanova For our upcoming episode of The Piano Pod, host Yukimi Song sits down with Asiya Korepanova — pianist, composer, visual artist, and poet — for a deep conversation on long-form artistic commitment, transcription as a creative act, and what it means to build a life in music shaped by depth, curiosity, and fearless vision. Asiya is known for her daring piano transcriptions and for taking on extreme repertoire, including the complete solo piano works of Rachmaninoff and Liszt’s 24 Études. In this episode, she reflects on why she is drawn to projects that unfold over years rather than hours, and how imagination, rigor, and responsibility intersect in her artistic life. 📅 Episode Premiere: Tuesday, February 10 ⏰ 8:00 PM ET
🌐 Asiya Korepanova — Official Website Join us for a conversation that goes beyond performance — into process, scale, and artistic vision. | |||
| Mirrors & Echoes: Aïda Lahlou on Ravel, Risk, and Reframing Tradition | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:14:37 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, host Yukimi Song sits down with pianist, recording artist, and multidisciplinary creator Aïda Lahlou for an in-depth conversation on Ravel’s Miroirs, sound as physical reality, and what it means to build an artistic life through curiosity, risk, and purpose. At the center of the conversation is Aïda’s debut album, Mirrors and Echoes—a recording that places Ravel’s Miroirs as its reflective core, surrounded by carefully curated piano miniatures from across cultures and centuries. Rather than treating the album as a collection of pieces, Aïda speaks about programming as experience: sequencing, resonance, and how sound can function as landscape rather than emotional narrative. We also explore her broader artistic practice—from environmental engagement and rethinking institutional success, to her one-woman show blending stand-up comedy with solo piano performance, and her advocacy for the return of the modern impresario / creative producer in today’s classical music ecosystem.
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| Official Trailer ✅: "Mirrors & Echoes" feat. Aïda Lahlou | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:01:38 | |
🎬 OFFICIAL TRAILER Season 6, Episode 10 Mirrors and Echoes — Ravel, Resonance, and Reframing Tradition What happens when Ravel’s Miroirs becomes the center of a much larger listening journey? In this episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Aïda Lahlou — UK-based, award-winning pianist and multidisciplinary artist — for an in-depth conversation on her debut album Mirrors and Echoes and the ideas shaping her work today. At the heart of our discussion is Ravel: how Miroirs functions not as a self-contained cycle, but as a reflective axis — opening pathways to sound worlds across cultures, traditions, and time. We talk about programming as experience, sound as landscape, and why curiosity and risk are essential tools for artists working outside inherited models of success. This is a conversation about listening deeply, building artistic agency, and reframing tradition without abandoning it. ▶️ Join the premiere on Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00 pm ET
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| Schubert Now: Storytelling, Connection, and the Road to the 2028 Bicentennial | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:26:51 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, host Yukimi Song sits down with concert pianist and recording artist Ammiel Bushakevitz for a wide-ranging conversation on Franz Schubert, the German Lied tradition, and what makes 19th-century music speak powerfully to 21st-century audiences. Ammiel shares insights from his major long-term projects, including Schubert 200 — a multi-album Lied collaboration building toward Schubert’s bicentennial in 2028 — and his ongoing recording of Schubert’s complete solo piano works. We explore intimacy versus scale, collaboration between singer and pianist, audience-building for a new generation, and why Schubert’s music remains profoundly human and relevant today. 🎧 Note: This video episode concludes around the 51-minute mark. The audio version continues further, with additional reflections on collaboration, teaching, empathy, and artistic legacy. Find the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts.🎹 Meet Our Guest — Ammiel Bushakevitz
About Ammiel: Concert pianist, recording artist, and one of today’s leading interpreters of Schubert and the German Lied tradition. Ammiel performs internationally across six continents and is also the Artistic Director of Les Voix d’Orphée, an organization dedicated to song, education, and cultural exchange.
🎧 THE PIANO POD
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| Official Trailer: "Schubert Now" Ammiel Bushakevitz on Storytelling, Connection, and the Road to the 2028 Bicentennial | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:02:16 | |
🎬 OFFICIAL TRAILER Season 6, Episode 9 Schubert Now — Concert Pianist, Ammiel Bushakevitz on Storytelling, Connection, and the Road to the 2028 Bicentennial Why does Schubert still matter today? In our first episode of 2026, I sit down with concert pianist and recording artist Ammiel Bushakevitz for a wide-ranging conversation on Schubert, the German Lied tradition, and why intimacy — not scale — may shape the future of classical music. From his bold Schubert 200 project and the journey toward recording Schubert’s complete piano works by 2028, to the return of Schubertiaden and the power of music in small, human spaces, this episode explores what it means to listen deeply in the 21st century. This is a conversation about storytelling, connection, and why 19th-century music continues to speak with urgency today. ▶️ Join the premiere here on Tuesday, January 13: https://youtu.be/uWoq0paUvCc?si=ePQCYgqFTY361VOK 🎧 Audio episode drops simultaneously: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ | |||
| Extra from Season 6 — The World of Microvids feat. Stefania de Kenessey | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:18:30 | |
To close out 2025, The Piano Pod brings you a special year-end bonus episode featuring composer and storyteller Stefania De Kenessey. Earlier this season, we explored her MICROVIDS project; today, Stefania takes us behind the scenes of another major undertaking: her opera The Bonfire of the Vanities, based on Tom Wolfe’s iconic novel. In this conversation, Stefania reflects on the creative risks, structural challenges, and artistic values behind adapting a 700-page book for the operatic stage. She shares insights on distillation, libretti, character reimagining, and the emotional stakes of composing—offering a rare look at how large-scale musical works take shape. You’ll hear Stefania discuss:
ICYMI: Revisit our full episode on MICROVIDS in Season 6, Episode 3 This episode is a thoughtful reminder that music is not only a craft, but a conviction. Stefania’s perspective highlights how storytelling, ethics, and imagination intersect in contemporary composition. Thank you for being part of The Piano Pod community this year. We return on January 13, 2026, with a brand-new episode to kick off the new year. | |||
| Extra from Season 6 — Mada & Hugh Piano Duo on Creativity & Connection | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:23:10 | |
✨ Happy Holidays, friends! This extra segment comes from Season 6, Episode 2 with the award-winning Mada & Hugh Piano Duo. Our conversation ran longer than expected, and while this part didn’t make it into the final episode, I couldn’t keep it from you — it’s just too good. In this excerpt, Mada & Hugh open up about creativity in its purest form:
Their reflections feel like the perfect reminder for this season: creativity is not about perfection, but about presence, freedom, and connection. 🎧 Enjoy this bonus episode with Mada and Hugh! Explore More from Mada & Hugh 📖 Read my blog about their YouTube vlogs: Meet Our Guest: Mada & Hugh Website: madahugh.com YouTube: @madahughpianoduo 🎬 Listen to the original episode released in September 2025: Four Hands, Boundless Creativity — Mada & Hugh Piano Duo here. 💖 Support The Piano Pod
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| Bells of Nagasaki — Anli Lin Tong on Faith, Lineage, and the Artist’s Callin | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:34:22 | |
What does a piano recital have to do with war, faith, and forgiveness? In this episode of The Piano Pod, pianist and educator Anli Lin Tong shares the story behind Bells of Nagasaki: Music for Contemplation—a profoundly moving concert created for the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. What began as a single song her father used to sing—The Bells of Nagasaki—became a powerful act of remembrance, shaped by the legacy of Dr. Takashi Nagai, a survivor who transformed unimaginable loss into a life devoted to peace. This conversation moves beyond repertoire and performance into questions rarely asked in classical music: • What responsibility does an artist carry when history is still unresolved? • How does sound hold memory when words fail? From the history of Urakami Cathedral’s bells, silenced for decades, to Anli’s own journey—moving to the U.S. alone as a child, studying with legendary teachers, and carrying artistic lineage forward—this episode reveals how music can become a moral witness. It’s a conversation about remembrance, responsibility, and the quiet power of sound to hold history—and humanity—together. Learn More About Anli Lin Tong
🎹 THE PIANO POD
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| Official Trailer ✅: "Bells of Nagasaki" feat. Pianist/Educator, Anli Lin Tong | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:01:03 | |
The trailer for our upcoming episode is now live—and it offers a glimpse into one of the most reflective and quietly powerful conversations of this season. In Season 6, Episode 8 of The Piano Pod, I sit down with pianist and educator Anli Lin Tong for a deeply moving conversation about music as memory, faith, lineage, and moral witness. At the heart of this episode is Anli’s recent project, Bells of Nagasaki: Music for Contemplation—a concert created to honor the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. What began as a song her father used to sing, The Bells of Nagasaki, became the seed for a project shaped by history, spiritual reckoning, and the life of Dr. Takashi Nagai, a survivor who devoted his life to forgiveness and peace. Our conversation moves beyond repertoire and performance into questions that are rarely asked in classical music: What role can music play in healing and forgiveness? What responsibility does an artist carry when history is still unresolved? We also trace Anli’s artistic lineage—from early piano lessons guided by her father, to moving to the U.S. alone as a minor, to studying with legendary teachers and carrying their legacy forward through her work as a performer and educator. This episode is a reflection on remembrance, responsibility, and the artist’s calling—and on the quiet power of music to hold history, faith, and humanity together. ✨ The full episode premieres Tuesday, December 16, at 8:00 PM ET on YouTube, with the audio episode released simultaneously on all major podcast platforms. 📝 Learn more about Anli and her work HERE — Yukimi | |||
| Between Worlds: Mirna Lekic on Cultural Crossings, Sonic Identity, and the Art of Connection | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:21:55 | |
In this episode, I sit down with pianist and educator Mirna Lekić for a conversation that spans continents, sound worlds, and the deeper layers of what music can mean in a human life. Born and raised in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and now based in New York City, Mirna brings a rare perspective to the piano — one shaped by resilience, migration, devotion, and an unshakable belief in music as a stabilizing, healing force. We explore her acclaimed 2023 album MIRAGE, a breathtaking collection of sonic illusions and cultural crossings that reimagines the piano as a global storyteller — moving from Azerbaijan to Spain, Armenia to Java, and beyond. This episode dives into:
It’s a conversation about healing, devotion, heritage, and the power of sound to help us make sense of where we come from — and where we’re going. 🌟 SOUND BITES “Music was a healing presence.” “Music study demands devotion.” “Music can be a lifeline.” 🎧 FEATURED LINKS FROM MIRNA'S WORK From the album Masks: From MIRAGE:
From Eastern Currents: Ramin Heydarbeygi — Aramesh Mirna’s Shadow Puppetry Collaborations: Read my review on Mirna's Album, MIRAGE on Substack | |||
| Official Trailer ✅ "Between Worlds" Mirna Lekić on Cultural Crossings, Sonic Identity, and the Art of Connection | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:01:18 | |
Here is the TRAILER — Between Worlds: From Sarajevo to New York: A Conversation on Cultural Crossings, Sonic Identity, and the Art of Connection feat. Mirna Lekić This week on The Piano Pod, I sit down with pianist and champion of new music Mirna Lekić for a conversation that moves between cultures, sound worlds, and the deeper layers of artistic identity. From Sarajevo to New York, we explore cultural crossings, sonic imagination, and the power of music to connect and ground us. ✨ The full episode drops this Tuesday, December 9 at 8pm ET — and I’d love for you to join us. 📺 Set Reminder for the YouTube Premiere 🎧 Audio episode will be available everywhere simultaneously 📝 Learn more about Mirna and her album MIRAGE on Substack See you on Tuesday for a powerful conversation on cultural crossings, sonic identity, and the art of connection. | |||
| Bonus Episode: Introducing the Zainichi Music Project | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:06:48 | |
Happy Thanksgiving! In this bonus episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal — a part of my identity I’ve rarely spoken about publicly. I am a third-generation Zainichi Korean, born and raised in Japan, and I’m finally stepping into that history through a new creative initiative called The Zainichi Music Project, now sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts. This episode marks the beginning of that journey — a project that will grow into a living archive of research, new music commissions, recordings, interviews, and documentary work. In this episode, I talk about:
For those who want to go deeper, please read my Substack essay, “Behind the Mic: Reclaiming Voice Through Sound,” where I share more about my experience growing up Zainichi. Thank you for listening — and for being part of The Piano Pod community. If you’d like to follow this new project, you can subscribe to Substack and follow @zainichimusicproject on Instagram and TikTok. More soon, and thank you for supporting this next chapter. | |||
| The Embodied Pianist: Elena Riu on Presence, Breath, and Artistic Freedom | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:32:56 | |
In this episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Elena Riu — pianist, groundbreaking recording artist, educator, and yoga/mindfulness teacher — whose work has reshaped how we think about artistry, embodiment, and the future of piano performance. Elena has long been a force of quiet revolution. Long before conversations about inclusivity and expanded repertoire entered the mainstream, she was commissioning bold new works, centering Latin-American and women composers, and exploring how breath, movement, and somatic awareness can transform the way we play and teach music. This conversation travels across the full spectrum of her artistry — from embodied performance to cultural identity, from the menstrual cycle as a source of creativity to breaking nineteenth-century norms about who pianists should be and what they should play. If you’ve ever wondered how breath shapes sound, how identity shapes expression, or how artists can create courageously beyond convention, this is a conversation you won’t forget. [Explore Elena’s Work] Salsa Nueva — Score (16-piece anthology):
Salsa Nueva — Album (with Latin percussionist Wilmer Sifontes): Out of the Blues / R&B Collection — Score:
Piano Icons for the 21st Century (Linn Records):
🌐 Elena’s Website ✨ If you enjoyed this episode…
Thank you for listening — and for supporting a space where artists can be fully themselves. #ThePianoPod #Season6 #ElenaRiu #EmbodiedMusician #EmbodiedPianist #ClassicalMusic #Piano #SalsaNueva #MindfulnessForMusicians #Somatics #YogaForMusicians #NewMusic #LatinAmericanComposers #CreativeCourage #PianistLife | |||
| Official Trailer ✅: "The Embodied Pianist" Pianist Elena Riu on Presence, Breath, and Artistic Freedom | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:01:25 | |
Get ready for our next episode of The Piano Pod: The Embodied Pianist with Elena Riu — pianist, groundbreaking recording artist, educator, and yoga/mindfulness teacher. In this powerful conversation, we explore embodied performance, somatics, breath, creativity, cultural identity, and even the menstrual cycle as a source of artistic insight. Elena’s work challenges long-held assumptions about what pianists should play, how they should train, and how the body shapes sound. In this episode, Elena and I talk about:
🎬 Set a reminder for the premiere tomorrow at 8 pm ET: https://youtu.be/exIQxYGbQw8 🎧 Prefer audio? Listen to the audio episode (Spotify, Apple, Amazon & more) available tomorrow, November 18 at 8:00pm ET: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ 📝 Read my full review of Elena’s groundbreaking album Salsa Nueva on Substack #ThePianoPod #Season6 #ElenaRiu #EmbodiedPianist #SalsaNueva #LatinAmericanMusic #NewMusic #ContemporaryPiano #SteinwayArtist #WomenInMusic #Somatics #MusiciansHealth #ClassicalMusicReimagined | |||
| "This Is Jazz" 🎹 Pianist & Educator Quentin Walston on Jazz for Everyone | 12 Nov 2025 | 01:12:58 | |
🎶✨ What if jazz could be taught as naturally as language—where freedom, creativity, and collaboration drive learning? Welcome to Season 6, Episode 5 of The Piano Pod, featuring Quentin Walston — pianist, composer, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz™. In this conversation, we explore how Quentin bridges performance, pedagogy, and entrepreneurship through his acclaimed book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation and his growing online platform empowering educators worldwide. In our talk, Quentin shares:
👉 Stay tuned until the end for rapid-fire fun and key insights on creativity, confidence, and cultivating joy through improvisation. 🎼 Explore Quentin’s Work
🎧 The Piano Pod 💖 Subscribe or unlock exclusive content: thepianopod.substack.com 🎵 Listen to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6 playlist: YouTube Playlist 📫 Join our newsletter: Sign Up Stay Connected:
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| Official Trailer ✅: This Is Jazz, Season 6 Episode 5, feat. Quentin Walston | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:01:49 | |
In this trailer, get a glimpse into my upcoming conversation with Quentin Walston — a pianist, composer, and educator known for his joyful fusion of jazz, improvisation, and storytelling. In this episode, we dive into creativity, connection, and the spirit of collaboration that defines his work and the evolving world of modern musicianship.
🎹 The Piano Pod is an award-winning podcast and YouTube show reimagining classical and contemporary music through authentic conversations with artists, educators, and cultural innovators shaping the future of the art form. #ThePianoPod #QuentinWalston #Jazz #Podcast #Season6 #CreativityAndConnection #Trailer | |||
| 🎬 TPP LIVE IN CONCERT REPRISE | Recorded Live at Mannes Prep, The New School | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:36:10 | |
The Piano Pod Live in Concert: A Bold New Chapter in Classical Music marked the first-ever live event for the award-winning podcast and YouTube show The Piano Pod, conceived and hosted by Executive Producer Yukimi Song. Presented in collaboration with Mannes Prep, a pre-college music program offering comprehensive and nurturing pre-professional training at The New School, this milestone concert brought the show’s signature format — music performance, interview, and panel discussion — from the digital space to the stage. 🎹 Featured Artists
🎙️ About the Event Filmed live at Ernst C. Stiefel Hall at The New School, this 90-minute event blended world-class performances with an engaging interview session and audience panel discussion. The artists shared personal stories, insights on collaboration, and visions for keeping classical music vibrant and relevant today. 💬 Special Guests Caroline Sonett-Assor, Director of Mannes Prep, The New School Audience members and artists in conversation
✨ Presented by: The Piano Pod — Where tradition meets innovation. In Collaboration with: Mannes Prep, The New School Produced by: Yukimi Song Studio LLC #ThePianoPod #MannesPrep #LiveConcert #ClassicalMusic #PianoPodcast #ConcertAndConversation #PanelDiscussion #CreativityAndConnection #DonnaWengFriedman #NnennaOgwo #EleonorBindman #JeeHoonKrska #YukimiSong #TheNewSchool | |||
| The World of MICROVIDS 🎶 Composer, Stefania de Kenessey on Music, Poetry & Love | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:23:13 | |
🎶✨ How can nineteen tiny piano miniatures blossom into one of the most expansive, collaborative, and award-winning projects of our time? Welcome to Season 6 Episode 3: The World of MICROVIDS — Composer & Advocate for Women in Music, Stefania de Kenessey. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Stefania de Kenessey, a composer whose works have been heard at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, La MaMa, and around the world. Her latest project, Microvids, began as nineteen piano miniatures written during the pandemic — and has since grown into a global tapestry of music, poetry, improvisation, orchestral performance, and film. In our conversation, Stefania opens up about:
👉 Stay tuned until the end for rapid-fire fun, candid reflections, and exclusive performance excerpts from MICROVIDS, Unorthodox, and Menstrual Rosary. https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6751/
[The Piano Pod]
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| Official Trailer ✅: "The World of MICROVIDS" feat. Composer, Stefania De Kenessey | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:01:26 | |
🎶✨ How can nineteen miniature piano pieces transform into a boundless world of music, poetry, collaboration, and film? Season 6 of The Piano Pod continues with an extraordinary episode featuring composer Stefania de Kenessey and her latest project, Microvids. What began as small, intimate sketches during the pandemic has blossomed into her most expansive and personal work — brought to life through powerful collaborations across instruments, voices, ensembles, and even award-winning films. In this conversation, Stefania shares:
🎬 Don’t miss it! Watch the premiere on Tuesday, Oct 14 at 8:00 pm ET right here on our YouTube channel 🎧 Prefer audio? The episode will also drop everywhere you listen to podcasts at the same time! Explore more:
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| Encore Conversations 1: Beyond the Keys & Radiance - Jeeyoon Kim on Love, Resilience, and Creativity | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:45:50 | |
🔥 “Music isn’t just about playing the notes — it’s about living beyond the keys.” 🔥Welcome to the premiere of Encore Conversations — The Piano Pod’s new series, where past guests return for short, powerful conversations about their latest projects and evolving journeys. To kick it off, I’m joined by Jeeyoon Kim — pianist, educator, podcaster, and now a two-time author. You may remember her from Season 3, when she shared her debut book, Whenever You’re Ready, and her bold mission to transform the concert experience. Now she’s back with her new book Beyond the Keys and companion album Radiance — projects that dive even deeper into love, resilience, and the creative spirit. 🎶 The episode opens with Jeeyoon’s stunning performance of Piazzolla’s Libertango (arr. Kyoko Yamamoto), also featured on Radiance. From her unforgettable 2023 Carnegie Hall debut to the raw personal stories she reveals in Beyond the Keys, Jeeyoon shows us how music, writing, and life lessons intertwine to create something extraordinary.
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Encore Conversations and Season 6 episodes that celebrate Creativity & Connection. [The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music]
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| Official Trailer ✅ Encore Conversations Ep. 1 | Jeeyoon Kim — Beyond the Keys & Radiance | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:01:24 | |
In this special premiere of Encore Conversations, The Piano Pod’s brand-new alumni series, I sit down with award-winning pianist, author, and educator Jeeyoon Kim. You may remember her from Season 3, where she inspired us with her originality, authenticity, and mission to make concerts deeply personal. Now she returns with her most intimate project yet — her second book Beyond the Keys and companion album Radiance. In our Encore Conversation, Jeeyoon opens up about:
🎬 Join the broadcast of this special Encore Conversation on September 9, 2025, at 8:00pm ET: https://youtu.be/0bpMQiBLkaY [Jeeyoon Kim]
[The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music]
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