Cool Hand Adventures (Classical Music Podcast)

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 11): 'Does Practice Really Make "Perfect"'.  This episode features a discussion on the ageless expression to explore whether or not this philosophy holds true. Does perfection exist in classical music? Will a commitment to practice achieve the ultimate goal of "the perfect performance"? Join host Luke Welch as he puts this topic under the microscope.  Tune in to find more!

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 10): "Beethoven is Black...ish".  This episode features a deep dive into one of the biggest hot-button discussions surrounding the "Immortally Beloved" classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven.  In spite of research into his background, the mystery, intrigue, questions, and theories remain regarding Beethoven's true ethnicity.  Join host Luke Welch as he puts this topic into perspective in a very unexpected way.  Tune in to find more!

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 9): A Homage to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.  This episode features the very first series composer deep-dive – in this instance, for a very special composer from the post-Romantic/20th century era who today may not generate quite the attention or notoriety of his contemporaries, though he is undoubtedly one of the most significant composers of all time.  This Afri-Classical composer broke boundaries in his quest as a very proud self-described Anglo-African to promote and musically amplify the depths and significance of African and African-American music while in turn reaching unprecedented heights of international critical acclaim.  Tune in to find out more!

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 8): Social Media Savvy in the Classical Music World.  As globalization continues to evolve towards all things digital, social media and its impact on the classical music industry has been widespread and noteworthy.  Has it positively impacted the art form?  Has the classical music industry embraced these new media or is the preservation of past traditions the ultimate goal?  Tune in to find out!

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 7): Pedal to the Metal!  There are many choices to make when interpreting classical music - particularly from the Baroque era, including the use of the damper pedal on the piano.  Are these decisions being made tastefully?  Tune in to find out!  

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 6): 'State of the Classical Music Union' as he reflects on the impact of the global pandemic on the classical music industry.  Classical music has always been a progressive art form, though the question remains have things gone too far or not far enough?   Which way is the classical music industry heading?  Which way should the classical music industry be heading?  Tune in for an informative discussion on this subject and more!

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 5): Top 10 Crazy Classical Piano Adventures!  This top-10 list is sure to challenge all perceptions on the lifestyle and performance practices of classical pianists - we ask: which one on this list is the craziest?

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 4): Black to the Future as we celebrate Black History Month.  Highlighting notable Afri-classical musicians of the past and present, this episode takes a deep-dive into both "should-be" household names as well as other notable figures who have made significant contributions and respective impacts on the classical music industry through their performances, compositions, transcriptions, arrangements, teachings, leadership, and musical inspiration.

Join host, internationally acclaimed pianist Luke Welch, in Cool Hand Adventures (Episode 3): No Pain, No Gain - Chasing the Dream as he discusses his extremely difficult diagnosis as a result of dealing with piano-related injuries.   Costing him three years of his career, these circumstances ultimately led to moving to Europe to resurrect his career while navigating through potentially career-threatening setbacks.  While this episode refreshes emotional memories for the pianist, along with is admission to hiding this situation from the public for many years, his intention is to share these experiences and serve as an example for others who may have had similar setbacks.  Was it all worth the incredible amounts of physical and emotional turmoil?  Tune in to find out!

Pianist Luke Welch hosts the second episode of "Cool Hand Adventures": "The Day Practicing the Piano Saved Someone's Life".  This podcast features a discussion of his blog of the same title which features a remarkable tale of an event during his West Coast Canada concert tour.  While the events leading up to the big moment seemed to unfold innocuously, things take an unexpected turn - all because of one practice session at a public piano.

Pianist Luke Welch hosts new podcast series "Cool Hand Adventures" which features a wide range of topics, both musically related and beyond.  This inaugural episode, entitled "Life as a Black Classical Pianist", discusses his blog of the same title as well as other personal experiences from his career as a person of colour in the classical music industry.