The Infinite Staircase feat. Concert Pianist, Han Chen

The Infinite Staircase feat. Concert Pianist, Han Chen

Author: Yukimi Song March 25, 2026 Duration: 1:18:57

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In this episode of The Piano Pod, concert pianist Han Chen joins TPP for a deep conversation about virtuosity, vision, and what it means to build something meaningful in today’s classical music landscape.

Han Chen is a GRAMMY Award–nominated pianist known for his fearless approach to some of the most demanding repertoire in the piano canon — from György Ligeti’s Complete Piano Études to Beethoven’s Hammerklavier. His recent recording of Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra has brought renewed attention to one of the most compelling American concertos of the 20th century.

Beyond performance, Han is also a curator and creator. His large-scale project Infinite Staircase pairs all 18 Ligeti Études with 18 newly commissioned works by living composers, expanding the repertoire while rethinking what a piano program can be.

This episode offers a rare look into the mind of a pianist who is not only performing at the highest level, but actively shaping the future of classical music.

In This Episode, We Talk About

  • Florence Price and the legacy of her Piano Concerto
  • Ligeti’s Complete Piano Études and technical/interpretive challenges
  • Infinite Staircase — a 36-work project pairing Ligeti with new commissions
  • Creative programming as artistic identity
  • Commissioning new music and working with living composers
  • Juilliard training and mentorship under Yoheved Kaplinsky
  • Expanding the role of the pianist in today’s classical music world

Learn More About Han Chen

The Piano Pod

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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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