No wrong notes: Pete Letanka on the search for musical alchemy

Despite training as a classical pianist, Pete Letanka always knew he was a jazz musician. In this episode, he talks about that early tension and his struggles with what he describes as “musical dyslexia.” He reflects on what years of leading music workshops with schoolchildren have taught him, and his ongoing work uncovering the composers left out of the history books.

This is the final episode in our mini-series with Classically Black, a festival taking place on October 10, 2026 at King’s Place in London. Learn more about Pete’s workshop here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/classical/classically-black-full-day-pass/

Catch up on the other episodes:

Rebeca Omordia: https://pod.fo/e/6115c2

Victoria Oruwari: https://pod.fo/e/64e57b

Berginald Rash: https://pod.fo/e/67c1f6

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About Pete Letanka

Pete Letanka is a critically acclaimed jazz pianist, educator, composer and presenter. After graduating from Leeds Conservatoire, he formed the Pete Letanka Trio and was signed to the award-winning label Zephyr Records, who released his debut album, "Afrostocracy", to critical acclaim. He has performed at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, the Barbican Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and works extensively in music education, leading creative music projects across the UK and in South Africa, India, Lebanon, Spain and Portugal.

Learn more: https://www.peteletanka.com/

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About Classically Black