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The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano musicAuthor: Yukimi Song
...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE.a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano musicHey, enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape."How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?"When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement.Finally, fast forward to 10 years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists.Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful l Language: en Genres: Arts, Music, Music Interviews, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Season 6 Episode 6 - The Embodied Pianist: Elena Riu on Presence, Breath, and Artistic Freedom
Episode 6
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025
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): 📘 Purchase on Stretta📘 Purchase on Presto Music Salsa Nueva — Album (with Latin percussionist Wilmer Sifontes): 🎧 SOMM RecordingsOut of the Blues / R&B Collection — Score: 📘 Purchase on Presto Music Piano Icons for the 21st Century (Linn Records):🎧 Amazon 🌐 Elena’s Website✨ If you enjoyed this episode… Please like, comment, and subscribe — it truly helps our community grow. Follow The Piano Pod on social media for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, connection, and the evolving world of classical music. 📝 My blog on Elena & her album Salsa Nueva: 🎵 Listen to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6 Playlist 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
