In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today’s most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.

We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 🔹 Defining artistry, mission, and passion
• 🔹 The piano as a powerful medium of expression
• 🔹 Signature piano works: Reminiscences of Childhood & Études
• 🔹 Shirim: Bringing sophisticated music to all pianists
• 🔹 The making of Borenstein’s Piano Concerto
• 🔹 His greatest influence: His father, painter Alec Borenstein
• 🔹 Collaborating with Vladimir Ashkenazy
• 🔹 Legacy, storytelling, and the composer’s role today

All the pieces mentioned in the episode are listed in this playlist.

💬 What does music mean to you? How do you connect with a composer’s storytelling? Let’s discuss in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe & hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations with the world’s leading musicians.

[The Piano Pod]

• 💖 Subscribe TPP on Substack to support our work!
• 🎗️ Support Our Work by a donation

Here is the trailer of our upcoming episode feat. Nimrod Borenstein. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today’s most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.

We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 🔹 Defining artistry, mission, and passion
• 🔹 The piano as a powerful medium of expression
• 🔹 Signature piano works: Reminiscences of Childhood & Études
• 🔹 Shirim: Bringing sophisticated music to all pianists
• 🔹 The making of Borenstein’s Piano Concerto
• 🔹 His greatest influence: His father, painter Alec Borenstein
• 🔹 Collaborating with Vladimir Ashkenazy
• 🔹 Legacy, storytelling, and the composer’s role today

Check out Nimrod’s solo piano and orchestral works on YouTube:

• Nimrod Borenstein - Prayer to the Moon (overture) Nimrod Borenstein: Ostinato
• Étude opus 66 No. 1 World premiere with Irina Lankova
• Nimrod Borenstein: Baba Yaga Étude performed by Kseniia Vokhmianina
• Clélia Iruzun plays Nimrod Borenstein's Barcarolle

💬 What does music mean to you? How do you connect with a composer’s storytelling? Let’s discuss in the comments!

📅 Tune in Tuesday, March 11, at 8 PM Eastern Time for the official premiere of this episode on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

[Nimrod Borenstein]

🌍 https://www.nimrod-borenstein.com/

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@nimrodborensteincomposer

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! 🔗 Learn more

🎶 Can a composer truly belong to both the jazz and classical worlds?

In this episode of The Piano Pod, we sit down with concert pianist and recording artist Ophelia Gordon, a leading interpreter of Nikolai Kapustin’s music. Known for her seamless fusion of classical technique with jazz freedom, Ophelia shares her journey of trusting her instincts, finding her voice, and redefining musical boundaries.

Topics We Explore:

• Trusting Yourself – The journey of self-discovery and staying authentic in a field rooted in tradition.
• Kapustin’s Legacy – The ongoing debate: Is his music jazz or classical?
• Improvisation & Freedom – How Ophelia brings spontaneity into structured compositions.
• Musical Identity & Influence – Growing up in a jazz-loving household, training in classical music, and even studying at the BRIT school.
• Bridging Two Musical Worlds – Creating jazz-style lead sheets for Kapustin’s etudes, inviting improvisation into his structured compositions.
• Finding Kapustin in a Time of Crisis – How discovering his music became pivotal in her life.
• Upcoming Album: Between the Lines – Behind the scenes of her all-Kapustin recording, set for release in Fall 2025.

Watch exclusive excerpts of Ophelia’s performances of Kapustin’s works throughout the episode!

What do you think—is Kapustin more jazz or classical? How do you define authenticity as a musician? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

[Ophelia Gordon - Pianist, Recording Artist, and Leading Kapustin Interpreter]

• 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @OpheliaGordon
• 🌍 Website: OpheliaGordon.com

[The Piano Pod]

💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription.

🎗️ Support Our Work: Make a donation

🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration (all the music and piano pieces mentioned during our conversations)

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• Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod
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• TikTok: @thepianopod

#Kapustin #Jazz #ClassicalPiano #Pianists #ClassicalPianists #JazzPianist #MusicIdentity #Improvisation

I had an incredible conversation with Ophelia Gordon —concert pianist, recording artist, and one of the world’s leading interpreters of Nikolai Kapustin’s music—for Season 5, Episode 12!

Ophelia’s artistry defies categorization. She seamlessly blends the rhythmic pulse of jazz with the technical depth of classical music—a rare and extraordinary balance. Her discovery of Kapustin’s music was a pivotal moment, leading her to a composer who, like her, refused to be boxed into a single genre.

• 💡 How do you bridge two musical worlds that seem at odds?
• 💡 What does staying authentic in a tradition-bound field really mean?
• 💡 How can improvisation reshape classical performance? We explore these questions and more in this inspiring episode.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• 🎹 Kapustin’s Legacy – A classical composer with a jazz heart.
• 🎵 Improvisation & Freedom – Redefining technique and expression.
• 🎷 The Jazz-Classical Intersection – Breaking down genre barriers.
• 🔎 Finding Your Artistic Identity – How Ophelia forged her own path.
• 🎤 Recording & Interpreting Kapustin – Behind the scenes of Between the Lines.

🔥🔥 Read the full blog post and learn more about Ophelia Gordon HERE.

For our paid subscribers on Substack, enjoy exclusive early access to this exciting episode on our Substack page on February 24 at 8:00 PM ET—one day before the official release! https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe

📅 Premieres Tuesday, Feb 25, at 8:00 PM ET

• Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/VTHMvumdAZE
• Listen on your favorite podcast platform → https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

👏👏 Don’t miss this episode—it’s a deep dive into what it means to be a musician in the 21st century!

🎤 Want to become an excellent interviewer? Here’s how I do it!

After conducting countless interviews with world-class musicians, educators, and industry leaders, I’ve developed a system that makes my interviews engaging, insightful, and natural.

In this carousel, I’m breaking down my key techniques—from crafting unique questions to keeping the conversation flowing and handling challenges with grace.

🔥 Listen this bonus episode and learn:

• ✔️ How I prepare for interviews without bias
• ✔️ My approach to active listening & guest engagement
• ✔️ The secret to asking deep, thought-provoking questions
• ✔️ How I balance guiding the conversation without overshadowing my guest
• ✔️ Strategies for making interviews feel like stories—not just Q&A

💬 Which of these tips do you want to try in your interviews? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📌 Share this episode on your social media!

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! 🔗 Learn more

🎹 How can neuroscience and a student-centered approach reshape our practice and teaching the piano?

In this episode of The Piano Pod, Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists, I sit down with Graham Fitch—a pianist, educator, writer, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy.

What separates Graham is his extensive research in piano pedagogy and neuroscience, his empirical, results-driven approach, and his compassionate, student-centered teaching philosophy that transforms how pianists learn and perform.

Is Hanon still relevant? What about Czerny? How do neuroscience and modern practice techniques redefine piano pedagogy today?

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why repetition alone won’t lead to mastery—and what actually works
• How neuroscience helps train technique, memory, and musical expression
• Creative strategies for effective practice that go beyond scales and exercises
• Why a student-centered approach leads to better, more engaged learning
• The importance of feedback and reflection in piano training
• How to prepare for performance with confidence and expressive freedom
• A deep dive into traditional and modern piano techniques—including Neuhaus, Hanon, Czerny, and more
• Muscle memory alone isn’t enough—integrate aural and cognitive learning for mastery.

Stay Connected with Graham Fitch

• Practising The Piano
• YouTube Channel

Books & Courses Mentioned:

• 🈹 Subscribe yearly to Practising the Piano Online Academy and enjoy full, unlimited access to all materials—plus, save 30% compared to the monthly plan!
• 🎓 Piano Teachers’ Course UK
• 🎼 Finchcocks
• 📖 What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body – Thomas Carson Mark: 🔗 Get it here
• 📖 Tyranny of Tradition in Piano Teaching – Walter Ponce: 🔗 Get it here
• 📖 Rudolph Ganz Exercises Contemporary and Special for Piano: 🔗 Read here
• 📖 Heinrich Neuhaus – The Art of Piano Playing

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod

• Subscribe to TPP on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials

💬 What are YOUR biggest takeaways from this episode? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss!

🔥 Get Ready! Season 5 Episode 11 Trailer Just Dropped!

🎹 What does it truly mean to practice the piano with intention and mastery? 🧠🎶

Is it about repetition, discipline, or something deeper—an approach that harmonizes the mind, body, and artistry through the lens of tradition, cutting-edge neuroscience, and creative expression?

For Season 5, Episode 11 of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking with Graham Fitch —a pianist, educator, writer, broadcaster, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy. His extensive research spans historical traditions to groundbreaking neuroscience, reshaping how we think about piano practice, technique, and artistic interpretation.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of science, technique, and artistry, uncovering how pianists can practice more effectively, express more deeply, and perform with greater confidence.

Graham’s approach goes beyond repetition—he reveals how to practice with intelligence, purpose, and artistry, integrating technical mastery, cognitive science, and musical expression to unlock true potential at the piano.

🔥 READ MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE ON OUR SUBSTACK PAGE HERE.

🎧 Tune in on Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

🎉 Want early access to this episode? Tap HERE – Become a paid Substack subscriber and get exclusive early access to this conversation with Graham Fitch on February 10 at 8:00 PM ET—a full day before the official release!

#ThePianoPod #PractisingThePiano #PianoPractice #PianoTechnique #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPodEpisodes

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 👉"Celebrate Culture, Discover Hidden Classical Gems, and Explore Bolivia's Talents!" https://bolivianartistfoundation.org/

In this episode of The Piano Pod, we dive into the fascinating world of contemporary classical music with Anna Heller, founder of Moving Classics TV. Anna shares her journey from Siberia to Germany, rebuilding her career and creating a groundbreaking platform that connects audiences to modern piano music. Her innovative work has featured over 500 composers and inspired countless listeners worldwide.

In this episode, we discussed:

• The concept and mission behind Moving Classics TV
• Anna’s experience rebuilding her career in a new country
• The process of selecting and curating contemporary piano works
• Trends in live piano performance formats and contemporary music
• Anna’s research on "Creativity Codes" and its connection to innovation
• Insights into thematic recitals like Aquarelle and Bach in Movies
• Her role as a performer for Candlelight Concerts and its unique appeal
• The challenges and rewards of freelancing as a concert pianist
• Anna’s vision for the future of classical music

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with an artist redefining classical piano music's boundaries.

Stay Connected with Anna Heller:

• 🔗 Moving Classics TV
• 🎥 YouTube Channel
• 🎵 Discover Creativity Codes

Piano Works Mentioned:

• Kris Lennox - Vapor Trail II
• Modern Piano - Serban Nichifor - The Circle
• New Consonant Music - Pietr Lachert - Cropelki
• Sergey Akhunov - Sketch VII "in memory of Satie"

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod:

• 💖 Subscribe on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials
• 🎗️ Support Our Work: Make a donation
• 🚨 Latest News
• 🌐 Website

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

🎥 Enjoy the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Anna Heller!

🎹✨ What does it take to redefine classical music for a modern audience?

🌍 In our latest episode, “Moving Classics TV: Redefining Contemporary Piano Music and Connecting Global Audiences Through Innovation," we sit down with Anna Heller, founder of Moving Classics TV, to explore her groundbreaking approach to connecting audiences with contemporary piano music.

Anna has spent 7 years curating 500 works by living composers, blending innovation, creativity, and humanity in every video. From the Candlelight Concert Series to her research on Creativity Codes, she’s leading the charge in making classical music accessible and relatable for everyone.

Want to know how she does it? Discover exclusive insights into Anna’s creative process, her vision for the future of piano music, and her strategies for reaching the broadest audiences.

📧 Head over to our Substack to unlock the story, including behind-the-scenes content and post-episode insights HERE.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a true trailblazer in classical music. Let’s keep the music evolving together! 🎶✨

Episode Drops Tuesday, January 28, 2025:

• 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eXsCTLU_VIk
• 🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

🎉🎉If you’re a paid subscriber on Substack, you get an exclusive perk—early access to this episode January 27, at 8:00 PM ET, a full day ahead of its official release: https://thepianopod.substak.com/subscribe

#ThePianoPod #MovingClassicsTV #ContemporaryMusic #CreativityInMusic #ClassicalMusicInnovation #Substack

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 👉"Celebrate Culture, Discover Hidden Classical Gems, and Explore Bolivia's Talents!"

Kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode with Clare Longendyke—an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist redefining the boundaries of classical music. Celebrated for her “artistic ferocity” and innovation, Clare’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances worldwide.

In This Episode:

• 25 Concerts in 9 Weeks! Clare reflects on her whirlwind 2024 fall season, performing across 10 cities and 7 states.
• Billboard Breakthrough! Her debut album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts, blending works by Claude Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green.
• Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered 250 works and commissioned over 30 new compositions, redefining tradition with modern creativity.
• Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving full-time performance career without teaching.
• Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, embracing vulnerability, and connecting with audiences.

📢 Special Announcement: Clare shares exciting news during this episode—you don’t want to miss it!

Clare’s journey is a testament to courage, vision, and innovation in classical music. Let her story inspire your artistic pursuits!

LINKS:

• Clare’s Ravel Piano Concerto: "Nights in the Gardens of Spain"
• Her album …of Dreams Unveiled
• Clare’s Performance of Amy Beach’s Variations on Balkan Themes
• For all other pieces mentioned during the episode, please check out our Sounds of Inspiration Playlist
• Clare's Carnegie Performance Tickets

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod:

• Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials on Substack
• Support Our Work: Make a donation
• Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter
• Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod
• Website: https://thepianopod.com

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

🎹 HERE IS THE TRAILER FOR OUR INAUGURAL 2025 EPISODE: The Trailblazer and Extraordinaria, Clare Longendyke, Concert Pianist & Recording Artist

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Season 5, Episode 9 of The Piano Pod, “Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,” features 🎉 Clare Longendyke, an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist who has forged her own path to redefine the boundaries of classical music!

Join us as we kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode showcasing Clare’s bold innovation, artistic vision, and dedication to reshaping the future of classical performance.

Here’s what to expect:

• 25 concerts in 9 weeks! Clare reflects on a whirlwind fall season, performing solo, chamber, and orchestral works across 10 cities and 7 states.
• Billboard Breakthrough! Her album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts.
• Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered over 30 new works, redefining how tradition meets modern creativity.
• Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving, full-time performance career without relying on teaching, paving a new way for concert artists to flourish.
• Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, pushing boundaries on stage, and connecting with audiences through authenticity and vulnerability.

🚨🚨Special Announcement: Clare has an exciting surprise to share during this episode—you don’t want to miss it! 🚨🚨

🎧 Tune in Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Watch the episode on our YouTube channel..An audio episode will drop simultaneously on your favorite podcast platform.

🌟 Clare’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, vision, and innovation in transforming classical music. Let her story inspire you to reimagine possibilities in your own life and work!

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#ThePianoPod #ClareLongendyke #PodcastEpisode #ClassicalMusic #PianoMusic #WomenInMusic #NewMusic #PianistLife #ForgingYourPath #AuthenticityInArt #ClassicalMusicPodcast #BoldInnovation #ConcertPianist #BillboardCharts #ModernClassical #Trailblazer #MusicInspiration #ClassicalMusicCommunity #BreakingBarriers #ArtisticVision #MusicPodcast