In this TEDx talk, renowned pianist George Lepauw explores the transformative power of music to unite and foster peace, illustrating this with historical examples such as the 1914 Christmas Eve truce during World War I and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. He delves into music’s role throughout history, from prehistoric tribal bonding to modern civil rights movements, emphasizing how it transcends cultural, political, democratic, and geographical divides. Lepauw highlights pivotal moments, including Marian Anderson’s 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial, Josephine Baker’s fight against segregation, and the influence of artists like Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, and Taylor Swift in advocating for social justice. Through these examples, he argues that music is a universal language that can transform conflict into harmony and serve as a force for positive change. Lepauw urges everyone to recognize the musician within, calling on us all to become “soldiers of peace” by using our voices to promote unity, democracy, and a better world. A prodigious pianist” (Chicago Tribune) recognized for his “singing tone” (New York Times), and someone who “likes to shake it up” (Chicago Tribune), George Lepauw is an artist and cultural activist who uses music to inspire and bring people together. He has performed across the United States as a recitalist, soloist with orchestra and chamber musician, and has toured internationally as far as Asia, South America, and Europe presenting a wide range of repertoire covering five hundred years of music up to our day, all guided by his insatiable musical curiosity.
Named Chicagoan of the Year (2012) for Classical Music (Chicago Tribune), George represents the ideal 21st century musician, intensely focused on his art and wholly engaged with the world. He’s given the World Premiere performance of newly-discovered and long-lost piano trio of Beethoven and released multiple recordings to great acclaim. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Amazing talk by an incredible pianist. Wow that story in the beginning in so moving – love how he connected everything together.
It was the highlight of the day. A moving presentation which captivated the audience, offering profound insights into music's power to bridge divides and promote harmony. It left us all both inspired and contemplative about music's role in peacebuilding. So happy I was there. Thank you ✨🙏🏽
Fascinating talk!
Learning and getting inspired!!
George Lepauw's talk encapsulates so much of what we stand for as musicians and performers at Working In Concert. Thank you for expressing so well our mission of creating community through song.
What a touching presentation!
It flows so well, it connects all Its elements so smoothly with its beautiful powerful examples and it ends in such a unifying way!!!!
It really moved me to tears!!!!
BRAVO! George!!!
You touch the hearts not only with your music, but also with the spirit you carry in your words!!!
Superbe Ted! Merci George Lepauw pour ce Talk passionnant!