Biography

About me

Romanian classical guitarist and composer, currently completing a Master of Music at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Portrait of Alexandra Păceană holding her classical guitar

Alexandra Păceană is a Romanian classical guitarist and composer currently completing a Master of Music at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studies classical guitar with Michael Lewin and Stephen Goss, and composition with Louise Drewett.

Born in south-western Romania, she began studying music at the age of six and took up the guitar at eleven. Just one year later, she made her solo recital debut at the Oltenia Philharmonic in Craiova. During her school years, she won numerous prizes at national and international competitions before moving to London in 2020 to continue her musical education.

In 2023, Alexandra graduated with First-Class Honours from Middlesex University London and was awarded the Turton Prize for Music in recognition of her outstanding achievements. As a performer, her repertoire ranges from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, reflecting her versatility and curiosity as a musician. Alongside performance, she is an active composer.

“Ali” — the name my grandmother called me.

It started at home in Oltenia, as a nickname my grandmother gave me, and it simply stuck. Over the years, my friends, colleagues and audiences began calling me Ali too. Today, it feels like a natural part of who I am — both on and off stage.

Her Master's research explores the musical traditions of south-western Romania during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with the aim of bringing this largely unexplored repertoire into the classical guitar tradition through new arrangements and compositions.

Alongside her performing career, Alexandra has a strong interest in teaching, literature, music promotion, and contemporary music. She hopes to combine these passions by developing an international career as a performer and composer while establishing her own music school.

From village to world stage

A path through the years

Craiova, Romania
2007
Begins studying piano and music theory at the age of six at the M. Sorescu High School of Arts, Craiova.
First guitar
2012
Takes up the classical guitar at eleven and starts winning prizes at national music competitions.
Oltenia Philharmonic
2013
Solo recital debut at the Oltenia Philharmonic in Craiova, aged twelve.
London
2020
Finishes high school and moves to London, during Covid, to continue her education. She starts her teaching activity.
Middlesex University London
2023
Graduates with First-Class Honours from Middlesex University London and is awarded the Turton Prize for Music. Her piano trio 'Transylvanian Tableau' is premiered in London by three professional Canadian musicians.
Vienna
2024
Her choir composition 'The Darkling Thrush' is awarded Third Prize at the Caneres International Music Competition in Vienna.
Royal Academy of Music
2026
Completing a Master of Music at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Guitar

Michael Lewin · Stephen Goss · Fabio Zanon

Composition

Louise Drewett

Institutions

Royal Academy of Music · Middlesex University London