Between Worlds: Mirna Lekic on Cultural Crossings, Sonic Identity, and the Art of Connection

Between Worlds: Mirna Lekic on Cultural Crossings, Sonic Identity, and the Art of Connection

Author: Yukimi Song December 10, 2025 Duration: 1:21:55

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

In this episode, I sit down with pianist and educator Mirna Lekić for a conversation that spans continents, sound worlds, and the deeper layers of what music can mean in a human life.

Born and raised in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and now based in New York City, Mirna brings a rare perspective to the piano — one shaped by resilience, migration, devotion, and an unshakable belief in music as a stabilizing, healing force.

We explore her acclaimed 2023 album MIRAGE, a breathtaking collection of sonic illusions and cultural crossings that reimagines the piano as a global storyteller — moving from Azerbaijan to Spain, Armenia to Java, and beyond.

This episode dives into:

  • how early musical experiences during war shaped Mirna’s artistic identity
  • the healing and stabilizing role music played during her family’s resettlement
  • the depth of Bosnian and Balkan musical influences
  • how cultural diversity becomes musical philosophy, not performance
  • MIRAGE and its groundbreaking approach to sound, resonance, and identity
  • collaborative work with living composers, shadow puppeteers, and multidisciplinary artists
  • how educators can guide young musicians toward authenticity in a rapidly changing world

It’s a conversation about healing, devotion, heritage, and the power of sound to help us make sense of where we come from — and where we’re going.

🌟 SOUND BITES

“Music was a healing presence.” “Music study demands devotion.” “Music can be a lifeline.”

🎧 FEATURED LINKS FROM MIRNA'S WORK

From the album Masks:

From MIRAGE:

From Eastern Currents: Ramin Heydarbeygi — Aramesh

Mirna’s Shadow Puppetry Collaborations:

Read my review on Mirna's Album, MIRAGE on Substack


Hosted by New York-based classical pianist and educator Yukimi Song, The Piano Pod serves as a genuine meeting point for anyone captivated by the keyboard. This isn't just a series of conversations about famous composers, though they certainly come up. Instead, Yukimi builds a global hub where the rich traditions of piano music intersect directly with contemporary innovation and practical education. Every other week, the podcast delves into the specific, often overlooked details that bring the music to life-from the technical choices of a concert pianist to the pedagogical insights of a master teacher, and even the perspectives of those designing the future of the instrument itself. Listeners become part of a broader connection, hearing stories and expertise that move beyond the concert hall. The discussions are intimate and revealing, focusing on the real work behind the artistry. You'll hear about the challenges of interpretation, the evolution of teaching methods, and how technology is reshaping what's possible. It’s a space where curiosity about the piano’s past, present, and future is the only prerequisite. For enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike, this podcast offers a consistent source of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the complex, fascinating ecosystem that exists around those eighty-eight keys.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music
Podcast Episodes
Official Trailer: "Carrying Memory Forward" feat. Inna Faliks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.From childhood compositions carried out of Odesa to performing a concerto on Minimoog, Inna Faliks has built an artistic life around memory, curiosity, and reinve…
Welcome to Season 7: Culture & Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:07
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Welcome to Season 7 of The Piano Pod: Culture & Courage.After six seasons and more than 100 episodes, the show is entering a new chapter. In this short introducti…
Introducing Season 7: Culture & Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:51
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Know someone who embodies Culture & Courage?I'm currently curating Season 7 of The Piano Pod and looking for musicians, educators, composers, innovators, entrepre…