This summer has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo, filled with premieres, collaborations, and unforgettable performances across continents. From the grandeur of Vienna to the vibrancy of Wilmington, Delaware, each stop on our journey added a new layer of meaning to our music-making.

A World Premiere in Vienna
Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă began the summer in Vienna with a landmark event: the world premiere of a new piano concerto written especially for her by close friend and collaborator, conductor, cellist, and composer Ovidiu Marinescu. Performed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra in the historic Konzerthaus, the work was infused with the spirit of Romanian folk music. Though conceived as a concise, three-part “mini-concerto,” Marinescu is already planning to expand it, inspired by the possibilities uncovered in this first performance. For Mădălina, it was a thrilling blend of personal heritage and artistic innovation.

“Three Omens” – A Filmic Collaboration
Hardly back from Vienna, the duo dove into another major project: the release of Three Omens, a new piano work by rising composer Christian Mechem. Commissioned in memory of George Crumb, this piece brought together Mădălina as performer and Hugh as producer, videographer, and director. Recorded on a Bösendorfer 280VC at Cunningham Piano’s Cherry Hill showroom and filmed at Millersville University, the project allowed unprecedented creative freedom. Hugh painstakingly storyboarded each camera angle, creating one of the most visually striking videos the duo has released to date. The video premiered on August 3, setting a new benchmark for future productions.

In Residence at the Summer Piano Institute
Closing out the summer, the duo served as guest artists at the 15th Annual Summer Piano Institute at the Music School of Delaware. Their opening concert introduced students and families to fresh repertoire, including Rachmaninoff’s Morceaux de Quatre Mains, Op. 11, and their own transcription of Suita din Dobrogea, a work rooted in Romanian folk traditions that quickly became a student favorite. Beyond concerts, Mada and Hugh spent the week coaching ensembles, sharing stories of their mentors, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration, mindfulness, and discipline in ensemble playing.

A Summer to Remember
From international premieres to educational residencies, the summer of 2025 was a vivid reminder of music’s power to connect cultures and generations. And with new projects and interviews already lined up for the fall—including features on Crushing Classical and The Piano Pod—the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo are carrying this momentum forward into an exciting new season.

Welcome to a new chapter in the musical travels of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo! This time, we’re diving into the vibrant sounds of Romania with our latest arrangement: the Suita din Dobrogea (Suite from Dobrogea). Let us take you on a journey through music and culture as we explore the roots and rhythms of this unique region, all captured in a one-of-a-kind four-hand piano performance.

A Love Letter to Romania

Mada, born in Romania, shares a deep connection to her homeland, and Hugh, inspired by his partner, has embraced Romanian culture with enthusiasm. Together, we’ve been fascinated by the rich traditions of Romanian folk music, which have influenced classical composers like Liszt, Brahms, and Enescu. But there’s something particularly special about the Dobrogea region that we couldn’t resist exploring further.

Dobrogea: A Cultural Crossroads

Dobrogea is located in Southeastern Romania, bordered by the Black Sea, Bulgaria, and the Danube River. It’s a land steeped in history, having been touched by Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian influences over the centuries. This cultural melting pot is evident not only in its architecture and history but also in its music.

Mada’s family roots trace back to this region, which makes it especially dear to us. Dobrogea is home to some of the oldest cities in Romania, like Constanța, with its Roman ruins and strategic location as a crossroads of trade. This dynamic cultural exchange has infused Dobrogea's music with an unparalleled diversity and vibrancy.

Unearthing the Dobrogean Suite

The Suita din Dobrogea is a collection of traditional music recorded in the 1970s and later reinterpreted in the 1990s. These pieces, which are improvised rather than written down, capture the essence of Dobrogea’s folk traditions. They feature distinctive instruments like the nai (Romanian pan flute), the dulcimer (also known as țambal), and the violin.

The standout rhythm in these pieces is the Jamparale, a lively traditional dance. Its odd meters and Eastern-inspired improvisations make it both challenging and exciting to adapt for piano. We were captivated by this music’s energy and spirit and decided to create our own four-hand piano arrangement to bring it to a wider audience.

A Unique Four-Hand Arrangement

Transforming the Suita din Dobrogea into a piano duet was both a challenge and a joy. The suite’s rich textures, intricate rhythms, and improvisational essence demanded a deep understanding of the music’s roots. We worked tirelessly to honor the authenticity of the original recordings while giving it our personal touch as pianists.

What makes this music so engaging is its ability to surprise and captivate. The odd rhythms, Eastern tonalities, and interplay between East and West in its melodies speak to the heart of Romanian folk culture. For us, playing this music together is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of Dobrogea’s vibrant legacy.

Why Dobrogea Stands Out

While Romania is a tapestry of diverse regions, Dobrogea stands out for its blend of influences and historical significance. Its music reflects centuries of cultural exchange, from Greek and Roman traditions to Turkish and Balkan sounds. For us, Dobrogea feels like the beating heart of Romania—an energetic, colorful region that continues to inspire.

Join Us on This Journey

We hope you’ll enjoy our four-hand piano arrangement of the Suita din Dobrogea. It’s a tribute to the region’s rich heritage and a celebration of the universal language of music. Whether you’re familiar with Romanian folk traditions or hearing them for the first time, we believe this suite has the power to transport and inspire.

Without further ado, we invite you to experience the sounds of Dobrogea through our unique interpretation. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

In this episode of the Mada & Hugh Piano Duo Podcast, we dive deep into the world of performance anxiety with Dr. Robert Hall, a renowned psychiatrist and former professional trombonist. Learn how to manage and deal with stage fright with practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice. 🎹 Topics Covered: Understanding the biology behind performance anxiety Psychological and social factors affecting musicians Practical tips for managing anxiety, including preparation, beta blockers, and CBT The importance of a balanced lifestyle for mental health Personal insights and experiences from Dr. Hall’s career 🎹 Topics Covered: 0:00 - Introduction by Hugh and Mada 0:34 - Hugh and Mada discuss their personal experiences with performance anxiety 4:10 - Mada’s story of a memorable performance anxiety incident 8:10 - Introducing Dr. Robert Hall 8:39 - Dr. Hall shares his background as a musician and psychiatrist 12:30 - Understanding the universality of performance anxiety 14:43 - The biological basis of performance anxiety 17:18 - The importance of preparation and performance experience 20:54 - Dr. Hall’s personal performance experience with adrenaline management 24:40 - Practical tips for managing performance anxiety in the moment 29:05 - The role of beta blockers in managing performance anxiety 35:30 - Exploring cognitive behavioral therapy for performance anxiety 39:15 - Importance of positive reinforcement and supportive mentors 43:45 - The concept of “permission to fail” and personal anecdotes 50:00 - Lifestyle factors and their impact on performance anxiety 55:47 - Mada’s experience with receiving harsh criticism and using it as motivation 58:15 - Dr. Hall’s journey from music to medicine and his personal challenges 1:00:15 - Closing remarks and future episode tease 🎶 Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable strategies to help you perform at your best. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on music and mental health! #PerformanceAnxiety #MusicianTips #MentalHealth #MadaAndHugh #DrRobertHall #ClassicalMusic #StageFright #MusicPodcast