Valentine's Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Celebrate Valentine’s night with an unforgettable evening of music in the stunning, candlelit setting of St Ann's Church in Manchester. This special concert features an exquisite programme of romantic piano masterpieces, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Madalina Rusu, renowned for her expressive touch and captivating artistry.

From the haunting beauty of Beethoven’s beloved Moonlight Sonata and the tender lyricism of Schumann’s Widmung in Liszt’s celebrated arrangement, to the intimate warmth of Brahms’ Intermezzo and the passionate drama of his Allegro, this programme explores the many facets of love and romance through some of the greatest works in the piano repertoire.

Chopin’s virtuosic Ballade No. 1 brings both poetry and emotional intensity, while Debussy’s enchanting Clair de lune offers a moment of dreamlike reflection. The evening concludes with the rich, expressive world of Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux, showcasing the composer’s signature combination of sweeping melodies and emotional depth.

Featuring
Madalina Rusu (piano)

Programme
Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27 No. 2
Schumann/F. Liszt – Widmung
Brahms – Intermezzo & Allegro, Op. 118
Chopin – Ballade No. 1 in G minor
Debussy – Clair de lune
Rachmaninoff – Moments Musicaux, Op. 16, No. 1 & 4

With candlelight, world-class music, and one of Manchester’s most atmospheric venues, this magical concert is the perfect centrepiece to your Valentine’s celebration — an evening of passion, beauty, and unforgettable music.

Madalina Ruso is an accomplished pianist whose performances are defined by passion, sensitivity, and a natural ability to connect with audiences. Whether in recital or concerto appearances, she brings an engaging energy to the stage, supported by a repertoire that spans the great Classical masters through to contemporary composers. In recent years, Madalina has been particularly drawn to works by women composers, weaving their music together with the stories of their lives. A passionate Romantic interpreter, she has a special affinity for the music of Robert and Clara Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and, more recently, Gershwin. With over 20 piano concertos in her repertoire, Madalina is also an exceptionally experienced concerto soloist.