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In classical music, you know, we need to build up technical skills to the top level and we're all doing that or we did that at some point.

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I think we're still doing it, you know, while we keep practicing and evolving.

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But the emotional part, that's something that also has to be nourished.

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You know, like you have to be, you know, like we have to water it every day.

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We can be better human beings if we are connected to it.

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Get ready to dive into the rich sounds of Latin American piano music.

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In our upcoming episode titled Keys to Identity, a profound conversation with Grammy Award winning Steinway pianist,

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we have the privilege of interviewing Kristhyan Benitez, an esteemed classical pianist renowned for his mastery of Latin American music.

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I am originally from Venezuela.

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I grew up in Venezuela and as part of the musical education that I got in the conservatory,

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we were always encouraged and we need always to add as part of the repertoire music from Latin America and from Venezuela.

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So I kind of like grew up with that.

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That was part of like my DNA.

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So I needed, you know, to be able to show audiences about what we are.

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And when I say what we are, I'm not only talking about being Venezuelan, but being from Latin America.

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There are so many different composers, a lot of them unknown with fantastic music.

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And so I have that, you know, urge to show a little bit of who we are as Latin American.

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As a multifaceted pianist, improvisation plays a significant role in Kristhyan's artistry.

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My way of meditating was actually improvising.

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I was sitting on the piano and then just let go.

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And then I could leave and like cry, laugh, everything.

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But it was like always through piano.

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Yeah, I think like I don't see myself not in this life or not in our life without the piano.

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It's crazy. But it's just like it's part of me.

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So it's like it's my everything.

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So join us tomorrow, May 14th at 8 p.m. Eastern Time for the premiere of an inspiring episode on the Piano Pods YouTube channel

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featuring Grammy Award winner Kristhyan Benitez.

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Discover the captivating world of Latin American piano music and delve into profound discussions on identity and artistry with this esteemed Steinway pianist.

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The audio version of this exciting conversation will be also available simultaneously on your preferred podcasting platforms.

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Hit the subscribe button, spread the word and don't forget to follow the Piano Pod on social media.

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The links are in the description. Catch you tomorrow.