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:
- Ali-Zadeh — Music for Piano
- Lachenmann — Guero
- Cowell — Aeolian Harp
From Eastern Currents: Ramin Heydarbeygi — Aramesh
Mirna’s Shadow Puppetry Collaborations:
Read my review on Mirna’s Album, MIRAGE on Substack
