Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball
Founded in 2013, Speaking of Travel is a media platform dedicated to meaningful, responsible travel storytelling. Through conversations with musicians, historians, conservationists, and industry leaders, it explores how travel connects people, preserves culture, and protects the planet.
After a decade of global change, including a pandemic and climate-driven disruptions, Speaking of Travel continues to lead the conversation on travel as a force for good.
Listen in, dream big, and let’s explore the world together. Because remember, life is short. Don't postpone joy!
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Speaking of Travel® With Marilyn Ball
Discover The Music, The Mission, And The Magic Of Lara Downes
On this episode of Speaking of Travel, we’re exploring the world of music, history, and innovation with the one and only Lara Downes, a pianist, storyteller, and cultural force redefining classical music in bold and unexpected ways.
Lara doesn’t just play music. She tells stories through it. She revives the voices of overlooked composers, blending classical traditions with jazz, folk, and contemporary influences to create something fresh, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Her work is a bridge between the past and the future, proving that music is more than just sound. Lara's music is, in fact, a living, breathing force that connects us all.
But her impact doesn’t stop at the piano. Lara is a champion for inclusivity, using her platform to elevate underrepresented voices and spark conversations that go far beyond the concert hall.
Through her work as a performer, activist, curator, and NPR host, she’s opening doors, challenging conventions, and inspiring audiences around the world.
Today, we’ll dive into her journey and how she’s reshaping the classical music landscape, the stories she’s passionate about telling, and why she believes music has the power to heal, unite, and transform.
So get ready for an inspiring conversation that will change the way you think about music, history, and the power of art. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let’s explore the magic of music together!
Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.