“Fearless Vision” Asiya Korepanova on Extreme Repertoire, Interdisciplinary Creation, and Artistic Risk

“Fearless Vision” Asiya Korepanova on Extreme Repertoire, Interdisciplinary Creation, and Artistic Risk

Author: Yukimi Song February 11, 2026 Duration: 1:48:53

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In this episode of The Piano Pod, host Yukimi Song sits down with pianist, composer, visual artist, and poet Asiya Korepanova for a wide-ranging conversation on extreme repertoire, transcription as a creative act, long-form artistic commitment, and what it means to think at scale as a musician today.

Born into a deeply musical family in Izhevsk, Russia, and now based in the United States, Asiya’s career is defined by projects many would consider “impossible”: performing the complete solo piano works of Rachmaninoff during the composer’s 150th-anniversary year, Liszt’s 24 Études, and Bach’s complete Well-Tempered Clavier. In this conversation, Asiya reflects on what draws her to repertoire that unfolds over years rather than hours, and how long-form thinking shapes her artistic identity.

A central focus of the episode is Asiya’s work as a transcriber. She speaks candidly about transcription as a form of composition—an act she once described as “taming a wild animal”—and how her deep understanding of orchestral, vocal, and chamber music informs the way she reimagines works for solo piano. We hear excerpts from her transcriptions of Mussorgsky’s Songs and Dances of Death and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, alongside reflections on craft, risk, and responsibility.

The conversation also explores Asiya’s work beyond performance: her compositions, her multidisciplinary projects that integrate visual art and poetry, her commitment to education and access through her nonprofit Music for Minds, and her curatorial leadership at Festival Baltimore and Festival Flatiron NYC.

This episode offers a rare, unfiltered look into the inner life of an artist whose work is driven not by spectacle, but by depth, rigor, and fearless vision.

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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
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