Alexandra Dariescu - Wesley Centre

Romanian British pianist Alexandra Dariescu is a pianist for the 21st century; her effortless musicality and captivating stage presence dazzle audiences and critics alike, but her vision and innovative approach to programming are also key in what makes her unique, and she stands out as a distinct and original voice on the international piano stage.

In demand as a soloist worldwide, Dariescu has performed to critical acclaim with orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra among many others, and she is the first ever female Romanian pianist to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2011 and has since appeared in some of the most well known concert halls around the world.

Her programme is a kaleidoscopic journey through the wealth of music for piano written across the ages and around the world. In the first half she places miniature masterpieces by Missy Mazzoli, Florence Price and Lili Boulanger, among others, alongside those by Bach and Dariescu’s fellow Romanian Ciortea. The second half is devoted to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, including the beloved Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy.