07/19/2026
This is going to be amazing. Sunday, July 19 at 4:00.
...still starting to gear up for our exciting opening on July 12, but wanted to grab the chance to brag about the piano team of Mada & Hugh in advance of July 19! Please read below about this extraordinary duo!
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. In 2025 they performed a recital as part of the George Enescu Festival in Bucharest, Romania, one of the world’s most important classical music events. 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 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.
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, Julius Baker, and flutist Jasmine Choi. 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 that pioneered digital sheet music with hands-free page-turning pedals, and taught for nine years on the ArtistWorks platform, where he worked with students around the world through its innovative video exchange system. He currently serves as 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 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.
*Incidentally, as Mădălina works towards her doctorate at Temple University, founded by Russell H. Conwell, it is particularly meaningful to host her at the Academy in South Worthington, which was also founded by Russell Conwell! (The current Director of Sevenars was also a Conwell Fellow for her doctorate at Temple - resonances everywhere, but especially in the concert hall! 💜🎶)