I've been a full-time concert pianist now since March 2021, so it's been a couple of years,
and it's all I do. I mean, I teach a very, very, very little bit. So all of my work is dedicated
towards building, managing, learning repertoire, that sort of thing. We are thrilled to kick off
the new year with an exciting episode titled, Redefining Classical Music, Innovation, Breaking
Barriers, and Forging Own Path. This episode features Claire Lungendeich, a visionary concert
pianist and recording artist pushing the boundaries of classical music. Renowned for her artistic
ferocity and innovative approach, Claire's career includes captivating solo performances,
dynamic chamber collaborations, and orchestral engagements across the globe.
My artistic mission is to cast light into the corners of the classical music where
light doesn't get cast enough. So for me, that's the work of women, past, present, future,
the work of artists of color, past, present, future, and then the work of creators in general
who can't be put in a box. The work of people that audiences have never heard of, or works
by famous people that audiences have never heard of. In this episode, Claire reflects on her
whirlwind fall 2024 season and her piano solo album, Of Dreams Unveiled, which debuted at
number two on the Billboard classical charts, featuring works by Claude Debussy and contemporary
composers like Amy Williams and Anthony R. Green. She shares her journey to building a thriving
performance career and offers insights on women in classical music, embracing vulnerability,
and connecting with audiences. The reason I call myself a self-starter is because I have built
a village around me of people who will do anything to support me. They will make tax deductible
contributions to support CDs. They will fly to New York to hear me play. I have people flying from
Minnesota, Indiana, all across the Eastern seaboard and Seattle to come hear me play at Carnegie Hall
because they think it's a big deal and they want to hear what I have to say on that stage.
And that's where I've invested my energy and my time because I've had nothing handed to me,
but I know how to ask for things. And that's where I've, in building this circle of trust around me,
that's how I feel that I've been successful. You know, I know that this season is a lot about
vulnerability, so I'm going to be extreme. Vulnerability is my superpower, I like to say.
I know you mentioned that.
I love and hate being vulnerable as much as anybody. So I'll tell our listeners and you.
Claire will also reveal exciting news only for the PianoPod listeners during this episode,
so don't miss out. Tune in on Tuesday, January 14th at 8 p.m. Eastern time on YouTube for this
inspiring conversation. The audio will also be available on all major podcast platforms.
Claire's journey exemplifies courage, vision, and innovation in classical music.
Let her story spark inspiration for your own artistic journey.