About Madalina

Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă, a Romanian-born concert pianist, has earned international acclaim for her exceptional skill, expressive depth, and technical mastery. Her performances have captivated audiences across Europe and the United States, distinguished by their poetic nuance and artistic intensity.

Mădălina has excelled in major international competitions, earning the Best Performance prize at the International Piano Competition in Vigo, Spain, and multiple first-place awards at the 2023 Charleston 20th Century Music Competition. A landmark moment in her career came in 2024, when she was awarded a special prize by legendary violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter at the Ruhr Klavierfestival in Bottrop, Germany—one of Europe’s most prestigious piano festivals. This honor led to her solo recital debut at the festival, solidifying her presence on the international concert stage.

As one-half of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo with pianist Hugh Sung, Mădălina brings remarkable synergy and innovation to the art of piano four-hands. Together, they have won First Prizes at the 2023 Charleston International Competition and the 2024 London International Competition, and have built a passionate global audience through their popular weekly video/audio podcast.

In addition to her duo work, Mădălina is a core member of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Trio Casals, alongside violinist Timothy Schwarz and cellist Ovidiu Marinescu. The trio is known for its adventurous programming, commanding stage presence, and commitment to both classical and contemporary repertoire.

A dedicated scholar, Mădălina is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Temple University, studying under distinguished pianists Lambert Orkis and Sara Davis Buechner. Her doctoral research centers on George Crumb’s "Makrokosmos" for solo amplified piano—a groundbreaking exploration that bridges avant-garde composition and innovative performance technique.

Originally from Brăila, Romania, Mădălina trained under prominent mentors and quickly rose through the ranks of the international classical scene. Her achievements include honors at the George Enescu Competition, the Mihail Jora International Competition, and appearances at Bucharest’s International “Meridian” Festival, where she has been a passionate advocate for Romanian and contemporary music.

Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă is not only a world-class pianist, but a visionary artist and scholar whose work expands the boundaries of modern piano performance while honoring the traditions from which it emerges.