About Us
The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, comprised of Romanian-born pianist Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă and Korean-American pianist Hugh Sung, stands at the forefront of innovative 4-hand piano performances. Their dynamic partnership has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them prestigious accolades, including first prize at the 2024 London International Competition and the 2023 Charleston International Competition, as well as second prize at the 2024 American International Competition. They are proud members of the Petrof Art Family, representing Petrof pianos in their performances.
Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă, an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, has mesmerized audiences globally with her profound musical artistry and versatility. She has triumphed in numerous prestigious competitions, including the International Piano Competition in Vigo, Spain, and the Charleston 20th Century Music Competition. Recently, she was invited by world-renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter to debut a solo piano recital at the Ruhr Klavierfestival in Germany, one of the most prestigious piano festivals in the world. Mădălina is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in piano at Temple University, further honing her skills and expanding her academic achievements. As a dedicated piano teacher at Cunningham Music School, she imparts her extensive knowledge and skills to budding pianists, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Hugh Sung is celebrated as one of the finest collaborative pianists of his generation. His distinguished career includes performances and recordings with renowned artists such as Aaron Rosand, Hilary Hahn, and Julius Baker. He has worked extensively with the Philadelphia and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras and served for 19 years at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia as Director of Student Recitals and Instrumental Accompaniment. Hugh co-founded AirTurn, a company revolutionizing digital sheet music with hands-free page-turning pedals, and joined ArtistWorks, where he teaches students worldwide through an innovative video exchange system. He currently serves as the Vice President of Cunningham Piano Company, representing Yamaha and Bösendorfer pianos.
Together, Mădălina and Hugh bring a unique blend of classical mastery and modern innovation to their performances. Their repertoire spans from timeless classics to their own dazzling arrangements of popular tunes, thrilling audiences with their exceptional artistry and creativity. The Mada & Hugh Piano Duo continues to enchant listeners across the globe, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the world of piano duos. Their collaboration not only showcases their individual talents but also creates a synergy that elevates their performances to new heights.
Madalina Danila
Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă has captivated audiences globally with her profound musical artistry and versatility. A Romanian-born maestro, Mădălina's career is distinguished by her triumphs in prestigious competitions, including the International Piano Competition in Vigo, Spain, and the Charleston 20th Century Music Competition. Recently, she received an invitation from world-renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter to debut a solo piano recital at the Ruhr Klavierfestival in Germany, one of the most prestigious piano festivals in the world.
Mădălina is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in piano at Temple University, further honing her skills and expanding her academic achievements. As part of the renowned ‘Mada & Hugh’ Piano Duo, she has enchanted listeners worldwide, showcasing her mastery in a diverse repertoire. Mădălina's deep understanding and appreciation of historical instruments and performance techniques have not only enhanced her concert experiences but also fed into her other passion: teaching. As a dedicated piano teacher at Cunningham Music School, she imparts her extensive knowledge and skills to budding pianists, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Her artistic pursuits extend beyond music, embracing traveling, painting, and literature, which add unique dimensions to her creative output. Mădălina's journey, from her roots in Romania to her profound exploration of George Crumb's "Makrokosmos," underscores her status as not only an international concert pianist but also as an influential educator and a versatile artist in the realm of music and arts.
Hugh Sung
Hugh Sung has been hailed as one of the finest collaborative pianists of his generation. Hugh has performed and recorded with the likes of violinists Aaron Rosand, Hilary Hahn, and Leila Josefowicz; flutists Julius Baker, Jeffrey Khaner, Jasmine Choi, and Gary Schocker; and composers Jennifer Higdon, Robert Maggio, and Harold Boatrite. He has also worked extensively with the Philadelphia and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras. Hugh served on the faculty of The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia for 19 years as its Director of Student Recitals and Instrumental Accompaniment.
In 2008, Hugh co-founded AirTurn, a company that creates hands-free page-turning pedals for digital sheet music.
In 2014, Hugh joined the roster of ArtistWorks, the premiere online music and art school that teaches students through an extensive video curriculum combined with the innovative Video Exchange system, enabling him to work one-on-one with students anywhere in the world.
Hugh continues to perform around the world, and is currently the Vice President of Cunningham Piano Company, representing Yamaha and Bösendorfer pianos.
