Programme: Rachmaninov Sonata for Cello and Piano.
Ilona Hepburn began playing cello at the age of 9, and at 16, and has enjoyed a varied performing career….most notably performing for the late Queen, and for the Pope. Her first television 
appearance was playing cello on Blue Peter, in 1995. Stage shows have included a tour with Russell Watson, and regular appearances with Elvis impersonator Lee Memphis King, with the Bridgewater String Quartet.
Chamber music is at the heart of much of Ilona’s performing, appearing regularly at concert venues across the Northwest with her chamber group Lucia Strings, interspersed with orchestral work with orchestras including the Liverpool Philharmonia and Liverpool Concert Orchestra. double concerto.
Being passionate about passing on a love of music to the next generation, Ilona enjoys teaching many young people in the northwest. She is the Founder and Director of String Sounds, a Music Foundation providing music courses for young string players, and growing opportunities for musicians to use music to give back to their communities, as well as tutoring for the Benedetti Foundation.
Madalina Rusu is an established and experienced concert pianist, performing as a soloist and chamber musician.
During her youth she performed to critical acclaim in her home country Romania, and throughout Europe in Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. She moved to London, UK, in 2004, to study with Professor Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Graduating in 2011, Madalina has appeared as a soloist across the UK including appearances at Barbican Hall, Cadogan Hall, LSO St Luke’s and St Martin’s in the Fields.
Madalina was awarded the prestigious Guildhall Artist Fellowship.
During her studies, Madalina played in numerous masterclasses and her talent was recognised by distinguished musicians such as Richard Goode, Paul Lewis, John Lill, Imogen Cooper and many others.
Madalina has been the recipient of many scholarships, and has won many prizes in numerous International piano competitions in the UK and across Europe.
In 2020 Madalina joined a new team at Keys Piano School in Bolton, Greater Manchester, a fast-growing, innovative Music School specialising in developing high aspirations in young pianists. As the head of Academy and Performance, her role requires a challenging combination of performing, teaching and delivering masterclasses. Madalina is very excited to also join the teaching team at Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield