Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim

Bucharest-born pianist, composer and educator, Cristiana Achim is recognised as a standout talent of her generation. Graduating with First Class Honours in 2024 from the Royal College of Music in London, under the tutelage of Professor Nigel Clayton, she earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Performance degree. During her studies, she was a recipient of the C. Bechstein Scholarship and the holder of the Help Musicians Postgraduate Awards. She is currently supported by the Talent Unlimited Charity.

Captivated the audience with her distinctly sensitive and energetic temperament.

Romanian Cultural Institute

Most notably, Cristiana has been awarded the 2023 London Symphony Orchestra Conservatoire Scholarship, amplifying her musical studies with performing opportunities and mentorship throughout the 2023-2024 concert season.

Renowned for her exceptional solo and chamber performances, Cristiana has received laurels from various international music competitions, such as the ‘Norah Sande 2022 Awards’ and the ‘Youth of Music’ International Competition. In addition, she achieved the distinction of being a semifinalist in the prestigious ROSL 2023 Music Competition.

In 2024, her piano trio (including violinist Deniz Sensoy and cellist Marion Portelance) represented the Royal College of Music and was awarded the 2nd prize in the Intercollegiate Piano Trio Competition.

Cristiana has graced esteemed venues across the UK and beyond, including the illustrious Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the enchanting Haddo Arts Festival in Scotland, and the iconic Romanian Atheneum in Bucharest. Her repertoire spans classical, jazz, and folk music, with a particular interest in showcasing the rich tapestry of Romanian folk tunes, as evidenced by her piano solo compositions released since 2019.

A passionate advocate for education, Cristiana served as a Benedetti Foundation Music Ambassador, contributing to creative projects alongside violinist Nicola Benedetti. She continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians as a dedicated piano teacher at the World Heart Beat Music Academy