🎹 ICYMI — Between Worlds: Mirna Lekić on Music, Memory, and Cultural Connection

Through the turmoil of these war years and refugee life, the way that my family maintained a sense of stability and normalcy was by helping me continue music studies in whatever way that was possible, whether that was in former Yugoslavia or when we resettled in New York. This is when I really benefited from music and realized its power. And its value, because many people would consider music study unnecessary and completely impractical, especially for a refugee. But my mother understood that for me and for my brother, who also played, music was a healing presence. It was a steady friend and a steady ground in new environments. And practically, that meant, you know, making hard decisions about where you put your resources. But today, when I play and when I teach, I am very much aware of this important connection that one can have to music. I'm aware of the sacrifice, or rather devotion would be a better word, that music study demands and of the role it can play as a lifeline and as a source of support for someone else.

In case you missed it, The Piano Pod with pianist and champion of new music Mirna Lekić is now available. Watch on YouTube or listen on any audio platform. All links are at thepianopod.com.