Season 5 Episode 8: “Virtuoso Reimagined: A Journey of Reinvention” feat. Sophia Agranovich

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Multi-Award-Winning Virtuoso Pianist, Recording Artist, and Steinway Artist, Sophia Agranovich’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of passion. A virtuoso pianist, Sophia made the daring decision in the 1980s to pause her flourishing music career and embark on a path in Information Technology. For over two decades, she excelled as an IT executive at prominent organizations like MetLife and Merrill Lynch, all while keeping her passion for the piano alive through daily practice, often during her lunch breaks on a Steinway.

In 2008, she returned to the world of music, reigniting her career as a concert pianist. Since then, Sophia has performed on international stages, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, released 11 acclaimed solo albums, and earned recognition as a Steinway Artist.

In this episode, "Virtuoso Reimagined: A Journey of Reinvention, From IT Executive to Steinway Artist with Holistic Vision," we delve into:

✅ Her upbringing in a multicultural city in Ukraine, enriched by cultural influences that shaped her artistry.

✅ Immigrating to the U.S. in her teens and studying at Juilliard with the legendary Sacha Gorodnitzki.

✅ Her bold decision to pursue IT and her success in a completely different field.

✅ Re-establishing herself as a concert pianist after more than 20 years in IT.
Sophia’s philosophy on preserving classical traditions while reaching new audiences.

✅ Her insights into balancing risks, career shifts, and the pursuit of excellence.

Sophia's story is one of reinvention, proving that passion can persevere through any career path and emerge stronger than ever with dedication. Her journey from IT executive to internationally celebrated pianist is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

🎹 Tune in to hear Sophia’s incredible story and learn how she bridges two distinct worlds with grace and mastery.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with friends and fellow music lovers!

[Sophia Agranovich - Steinway Artist]

🌐 Website: https://sophiagranovich.com
📺 YouTube:    / @sophiagranovich  

🎵🎵 Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5:    • Sounds of Inspiration: Piano Works me...   🎵🎵

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[Timeline]

00:00:27 Excerpt: Sophia Agranovich Performing Rhapsodie Espagnole by Liszt at The American Cathedral in Paris, France, in June, 2024
00:01:27 INTRO
00:06:35 Meet Sophia Agranovich: Multi-Award-Winning Concert Pianist, IT Leader, and Educator
00:08:20 Bold Career Shifts: From Promising Concert Pianist to IT, Then Back to Piano After More Than Two Decades
00:24:13 Growing Up in Ukraine and Early Influences on Sophia’s Musical Voice
00:31:42 From Ukraine to the U.S. in Her Teens: Studying at Juilliard with the Legendary Sacha Gorodnitzki
00:36:40 Balancing IT and Music: Practicing Piano Daily During Lunch or After Work While Employed at MetLife and Merrill Lynch
00:47:57 How to Maintain Piano Skills with a Full-Time Job
00:51:50 Message from Our Sponsor of the Month, The Compass Concerts, "Start with Mindfulness, Perform with Heart”
00:53:06 Reflection on the Challenges of Re-Establishing Herself as a Concert Pianist After Decades in a Different Field
00:58:22 Excerpt: Sophia performing Polonaise-Fantaisie by Chopin at the Watchung Arts Center in New Jersey
00:59:10 Post-IT Career Successes as Global Concert Pianists
01:07:19 Evolution of Sophia’s Relationship to Piano and Performing Arts from Pre-IT Era to Present
01:10:32 Excerpt: Sophia Performing ‘Wanderer’ Fantasie by Schubert at Vienna Ehrbarsaal in August 2014
01:11:26 Prolific Post-IT Era: Recording 11 Piano Solo Albums
01:14:22 Sophia’s Views on Preserving Classical Traditions Creatively and Connecting with New Audiences
01:19:59 YouTube Endeavor: Reaching New Audiences with High-Quality Performances
01:25:39 Excerpt: Sophia Etude in D# minor Op. 8 No.12 by Scriabin at Bargemusic in August 2010.
01:26:07 Most Important Lessons Sophia Imparts to Her Students
01:28:50 Advice on Navigating Career Shifts and Taking Risks
01:32:22 Thoughts on Navigating a Fast-Paced, Technology-Driven World
01:37:09 Perspective on Contributing to Society During Times of Change
01:40:10 Her Most Exciting Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
01:42:45 Sophia’s Vision for the Legacy She Hopes to Leave for Future Generations of Musicians
01:45:07 It’s Never Too Late to Reconnect with a Lost Passion!
01:47:09 TPP Rapid Fire Questions!