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.
I think we're still doing it, you know, while we keep practicing and evolving.
But the emotional part, that's something that also has to be nourished.
You know, like you have to be, you know, like we have to water it every day.
We can be better human beings if we are connected to it.
Get ready to dive into the rich sounds of Latin American piano music.
In our upcoming episode titled Keys to Identity, a profound conversation with Grammy Award winning Steinway pianist,
we have the privilege of interviewing Kristhyan Benitez, an esteemed classical pianist renowned for his mastery of Latin American music.
I am originally from Venezuela.
I grew up in Venezuela and as part of the musical education that I got in the conservatory,
we were always encouraged and we need always to add as part of the repertoire music from Latin America and from Venezuela.
So I kind of like grew up with that.
That was part of like my DNA.
So I needed, you know, to be able to show audiences about what we are.
And when I say what we are, I'm not only talking about being Venezuelan, but being from Latin America.
There are so many different composers, a lot of them unknown with fantastic music.
And so I have that, you know, urge to show a little bit of who we are as Latin American.
As a multifaceted pianist, improvisation plays a significant role in Kristhyan's artistry.
My way of meditating was actually improvising.
I was sitting on the piano and then just let go.
And then I could leave and like cry, laugh, everything.
But it was like always through piano.
Yeah, I think like I don't see myself not in this life or not in our life without the piano.
It's crazy. But it's just like it's part of me.
So it's like it's my everything.
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
featuring Grammy Award winner Kristhyan Benitez.
Discover the captivating world of Latin American piano music and delve into profound discussions on identity and artistry with this esteemed Steinway pianist.
The audio version of this exciting conversation will be also available simultaneously on your preferred podcasting platforms.
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The links are in the description. Catch you tomorrow.