Xenia Pestova Bennett
@xeniapestova.bsky.social
Pianist, composer, sea swimmer, wellbeing freak, sci-fi fan 🎹🔈🌊
Records on Naxos, NMC, Diatribe, Ergodos, Farpoint, Innova
https://xeniapestovabennett.com
Profile pic: Dimitri Djuric; header: Annea Lockwood’s Piano Garden, European Court of Justice
Records on Naxos, NMC, Diatribe, Ergodos, Farpoint, Innova
https://xeniapestovabennett.com
Profile pic: Dimitri Djuric; header: Annea Lockwood’s Piano Garden, European Court of Justice
I am disappointed - disgusted, really - but not surprised. This is the department I left almost three years ago to pursue a fully freelance career. I am lucky to have that choice - I feel for my talented and hard-working former colleagues who gave their all to academia. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham - BBC News
In a statement the institution also says it is "proposing to reduce its nursing offer".
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
I am disappointed - disgusted, really - but not surprised. This is the department I left almost three years ago to pursue a fully freelance career. I am lucky to have that choice - I feel for my talented and hard-working former colleagues who gave their all to academia. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
Having a bit of a tough wobbly time at the moment. It’s quite incredible though the kindness today which means I may be able to present more of the series next year
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
Help raise £2500 to Daylight Music 2026 – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to Daylight Music 2026. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
www.justgiving.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Having a bit of a tough wobbly time at the moment. It’s quite incredible though the kindness today which means I may be able to present more of the series next year
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
I’m running my performance anxiety course on Zoom for the last time as my schedule is too full - but so exciting to have folks from Singapore, Ireland, Europe, UK and the Americas. You can still join us - we start next week! www.citizenticket.com/events/xenia... @cmcireland.bsky.social
Befriending Performance Anxiety: Practical Tips for Performers of All Levels - Buy tickets
The original six-week online course is back! All registrants will receive individual email support and a free copy of Xenia's book, plus an online resource pack.
www.citizenticket.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:38 AM
I’m running my performance anxiety course on Zoom for the last time as my schedule is too full - but so exciting to have folks from Singapore, Ireland, Europe, UK and the Americas. You can still join us - we start next week! www.citizenticket.com/events/xenia... @cmcireland.bsky.social
I‘m up and on my way well before any glimmer of dawn today to talk about death, burial and resurrection rituals involving pianos. Is the king of instruments truly dead? Join me at Trinity College Dublin at 11am to find out. @cmcireland.bsky.social www.tcd.ie/trinitylongr...
Is the piano dead? Rituals of burial and renewal in contemporary keyboard repertoire
A lecture by Dr Xenia Pestova Bennett (pianist and composer) as part of the Music Composition Centre Seminar Series.
www.tcd.ie
October 22, 2025 at 7:22 AM
I‘m up and on my way well before any glimmer of dawn today to talk about death, burial and resurrection rituals involving pianos. Is the king of instruments truly dead? Join me at Trinity College Dublin at 11am to find out. @cmcireland.bsky.social www.tcd.ie/trinitylongr...
Tomorrow in Dublin! www.tcd.ie/trinitylongr...
Is the piano dead? Rituals of burial and renewal in contemporary keyboard repertoire
A lecture by Dr Xenia Pestova Bennett (pianist and composer) as part of the Music Composition Centre Seminar Series.
www.tcd.ie
October 21, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Tomorrow in Dublin! www.tcd.ie/trinitylongr...
Here is aomething different: I’m putting on my wellbeing facilitator hat to lead a gentle and relaxing yin yoga workshop on Sunday - in person at Maitri Studio Belfast and also streamed online. Have you tried yin? It’s brilliant. Join me here. xeniapestovabennett.com/yoga-coaching #yinyoga
Yoga & Yoga Mindset Coaching - Xenia Pestova Bennett
Yoga & Yoga Mindset Coaching Photo Credit: Rachel McCarthyGroup & Individual Classes Group Classes Workshop: Yin Yoga for Relaxation (in person and online) Join Xenia for a nurturing mini-retreat pac...
xeniapestovabennett.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Here is aomething different: I’m putting on my wellbeing facilitator hat to lead a gentle and relaxing yin yoga workshop on Sunday - in person at Maitri Studio Belfast and also streamed online. Have you tried yin? It’s brilliant. Join me here. xeniapestovabennett.com/yoga-coaching #yinyoga
Ask me ANYTHING (about performance anxiety) - join the free online performance forum this coming Tuesday. We will do a simple anxiety management intervention and share excerpts of what we are working on in a safe setting. xeniapestovabennett.com/events/free-...
xeniapestovabennett.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Ask me ANYTHING (about performance anxiety) - join the free online performance forum this coming Tuesday. We will do a simple anxiety management intervention and share excerpts of what we are working on in a safe setting. xeniapestovabennett.com/events/free-...
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
Brilliant ‘Leaky Bodies and Touchy Software’ concert last night with @xeniapestova.bsky.social + Martin Parker + Olivia Palmer-Baker bringing together the future and history of music creation in unique location of St Cecilia's Hall 👏
October 16, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Brilliant ‘Leaky Bodies and Touchy Software’ concert last night with @xeniapestova.bsky.social + Martin Parker + Olivia Palmer-Baker bringing together the future and history of music creation in unique location of St Cecilia's Hall 👏
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
Still a few tickets left to hear @xeniapestova.bsky.social playing these tomorrow at St Cecilia's Hall, plus new work from @tinparksky.bsky.social and @aulichmusic.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leaky-bodi...
October 14, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Still a few tickets left to hear @xeniapestova.bsky.social playing these tomorrow at St Cecilia's Hall, plus new work from @tinparksky.bsky.social and @aulichmusic.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leaky-bodi...
I am playing these bad old boys in concert tomorrow
October 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I am playing these bad old boys in concert tomorrow
I know the critics slaughtered it, but for an action film with limited plot capacity, Tron Ares is actually pretty good. And, the soundtrack + visual and sound design are strong - watch on a big screen with a proper surround sound system. Some delicious and satisfying low frequencies in there.
October 12, 2025 at 7:59 AM
I know the critics slaughtered it, but for an action film with limited plot capacity, Tron Ares is actually pretty good. And, the soundtrack + visual and sound design are strong - watch on a big screen with a proper surround sound system. Some delicious and satisfying low frequencies in there.
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
I released "Early Electroacoustic Works" last week. It's a collection of drone, noise, plunderphonics, and acousmatic works from 2010-2016. Give it a listen if you'd like!
grizwaldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/early-...
grizwaldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/early-...
October 11, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I released "Early Electroacoustic Works" last week. It's a collection of drone, noise, plunderphonics, and acousmatic works from 2010-2016. Give it a listen if you'd like!
grizwaldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/early-...
grizwaldmusic.bandcamp.com/album/early-...
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
Who should play Daylight's 400th Edition? Inspire me! www.daylightmusic.co.uk/eventarchive...
400: The Four Hundredth Edition — Arctic Circle
Somewhere in our sixteenth year we reach the unfathomable figures of the four hundredth edition of our series. How did that happen?
www.daylightmusic.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Who should play Daylight's 400th Edition? Inspire me! www.daylightmusic.co.uk/eventarchive...
Coming up in Belfast - experience my audiovisual piece GLOW from this year’s New Music Biennial, alongside grandpa Boulez @cmcireland.bsky.social @prsfoundation.bsky.social belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/event/boulez...
Boulez: Anthems and Dialogues - Belfast International Arts Festival
Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble presents landmark solo works by Pierre Boulez. Experience an evening of pioneering contemporary music as Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble presents solo works by Pierre Boulez…
belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Coming up in Belfast - experience my audiovisual piece GLOW from this year’s New Music Biennial, alongside grandpa Boulez @cmcireland.bsky.social @prsfoundation.bsky.social belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/event/boulez...
My phone’s new fancy visual voice mail feature transcribes my name as “Senior”. “Hi, Senior!” I know I’m ancient and decrepit, but must you rub it in? Hopefully all these AI bells and whistles are just a bubble that will burst soon.
October 10, 2025 at 10:04 AM
My phone’s new fancy visual voice mail feature transcribes my name as “Senior”. “Hi, Senior!” I know I’m ancient and decrepit, but must you rub it in? Hopefully all these AI bells and whistles are just a bubble that will burst soon.
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
// 'This scheme is the envy of the world, and a tremendous achievement for Ireland': Government Commits to Permanent Basic Income for the Arts // bit.ly/3Wts6pW
'This scheme is the envy of the world, and a tremendous achievement for Ireland': Government Commits to Permanent Basic Income for the Arts
Budget 2026: Standstill funding for Arts Council; additional €600k for Comhaltas for 75th anniversary; €1 million for grassroots music venues.
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 6:12 PM
// 'This scheme is the envy of the world, and a tremendous achievement for Ireland': Government Commits to Permanent Basic Income for the Arts // bit.ly/3Wts6pW
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
Xenia’s book, Befriending Performance Anxiety, is brilliant. This is a great opportunity for musicians!
People of the internet! I’m running a free online session on performance anxiety and managing negative thoughts (important!) on 30 October. I’m especially keen to reach non-professional musicians who love music, but struggle with stage fright. Please share! xeniapestovabennett.com/events/intro...
Befriending Performance Anxiety: Five Tips for Managing Negative Thoughts | Online - Xenia Pestova Bennett
Free taster webinar introducing the Befriending Performance Anxiety programme. Recognise and reframe negative thoughts
before, during and after performance Build confidence (Re)discover the joy of pe...
xeniapestovabennett.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Xenia’s book, Befriending Performance Anxiety, is brilliant. This is a great opportunity for musicians!
People of the internet! I’m running a free online session on performance anxiety and managing negative thoughts (important!) on 30 October. I’m especially keen to reach non-professional musicians who love music, but struggle with stage fright. Please share! xeniapestovabennett.com/events/intro...
Befriending Performance Anxiety: Five Tips for Managing Negative Thoughts | Online - Xenia Pestova Bennett
Free taster webinar introducing the Befriending Performance Anxiety programme. Recognise and reframe negative thoughts
before, during and after performance Build confidence (Re)discover the joy of pe...
xeniapestovabennett.com
October 8, 2025 at 6:58 PM
People of the internet! I’m running a free online session on performance anxiety and managing negative thoughts (important!) on 30 October. I’m especially keen to reach non-professional musicians who love music, but struggle with stage fright. Please share! xeniapestovabennett.com/events/intro...
coming up in Edinburgh! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leaky-bodi...
Leaky bodies and touchy software
A concert and exhibition opening featuring new music that explores instruments, bodies, software and hardware.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
coming up in Edinburgh! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leaky-bodi...
Performance anxiety and managing negative thoughts: it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt and rush through what could be a precious and magical experience when we share our work with others… but maybe it doesn’t have to be that way! #performanceanxiety xeniapestovabennett.com/2025/10/07/p...
Performance Anxiety and Self-Sabotage: Five Tips for Working with Negative Thoughts - Xenia Pestova Bennett
Performance anxiety is a universal experience, a survival mechanism that is hard-wired. Symptoms vary, but many of us get shaky limbs, blurry vision, dry mouth, shallow fast breathing, rapid heart rat...
xeniapestovabennett.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Performance anxiety and managing negative thoughts: it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt and rush through what could be a precious and magical experience when we share our work with others… but maybe it doesn’t have to be that way! #performanceanxiety xeniapestovabennett.com/2025/10/07/p...
Reposted by Xenia Pestova Bennett
📢 6 works have been nominated by the Irish Section for the ISCM World New Music Days Festival in Romania in 2026. The pieces selected were composed by David Fennessy, Dylan Murphy, Ailís Ní Ríain, Xenia Pestova Bennett, Caterina Schembri and Ian Wilson.
Read more at CMC News: loom.ly/RnKLC14
#ISCM
Read more at CMC News: loom.ly/RnKLC14
#ISCM
October 3, 2025 at 4:17 PM
📢 6 works have been nominated by the Irish Section for the ISCM World New Music Days Festival in Romania in 2026. The pieces selected were composed by David Fennessy, Dylan Murphy, Ailís Ní Ríain, Xenia Pestova Bennett, Caterina Schembri and Ian Wilson.
Read more at CMC News: loom.ly/RnKLC14
#ISCM
Read more at CMC News: loom.ly/RnKLC14
#ISCM
An honour to be nominated by @cmcireland.bsky.social to represent Ireland at World Music Days. I am submitting the audiovisual version of GLOW to the international jury - out now on @nmcrecordings.bsky.social commissioned by @prsfoundation.bsky.social
October 4, 2025 at 10:35 AM
An honour to be nominated by @cmcireland.bsky.social to represent Ireland at World Music Days. I am submitting the audiovisual version of GLOW to the international jury - out now on @nmcrecordings.bsky.social commissioned by @prsfoundation.bsky.social
Alvin Lucier’s organoids keep going!
A museum exhibit in Australia lets visitors hear music generated by brain cells derived from the blood of a dead composer.
Experimental Music Meets Neuroscience in a Haunting New Installation
A museum exhibit in Australia lets visitors hear music generated by brain cells derived from the blood of a dead composer.
www.scientificamerican.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Alvin Lucier’s organoids keep going!
I’m going back to ca. 1996, before I had a mobile phone and when connecting to the internet involved a dial-up modem.
September 23, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I’m going back to ca. 1996, before I had a mobile phone and when connecting to the internet involved a dial-up modem.
Can anyone share examples of happy / positive / useful experiences with social media in general, and this platform in particular? I mean, why are we here?
September 23, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Can anyone share examples of happy / positive / useful experiences with social media in general, and this platform in particular? I mean, why are we here?