Cello and Piano Duo 'PiaCello' share a deep musical connection and have established themselves as a respected duet. Their performances are filled with impeccable technique, expressive interpretations, and seamless communication on stage. As solo performers, they have delighted audiences around the world with their dynamic and emotive performances, breathing new life into classical music repertoire as well as exploring exciting contemporary works.

Cellist Maria Zachariadou, Principal No.2 of the BBC Philharmonic, was born in Stockholm of Greek parents. After completing her Konzertexamen in 2009 with Johannes Goritzki in Düsseldorf, she joined the Philharmonia orchestra in London . During her time in Düsseldorf her pianotrio Melange, won different regional prizes and they performed extensively in Germany. Maria is the founder of the acclaimed Philharmonia Chamber Players that is a successful venture in London’s musical scene that takes place at the Royal Festival Hall. With a great passion for chamber music Maria also toured Japan twice with her baroque group La Sfera Musicale to critical acclaim and released the CD “Baroque Dialogues” on Waon Records. Masterclasses have included those with Ralph Kirschbaum, Frans Helmersson, David Geringas, Truls Mørk and festivals where she performed; Paxos music festival in Greece, Mendelssohn on Mull in Scotland and Holland Music Sessions. She also obtained a Winter residency at the Banff center of Arts in Canada and a semester at the University of Bloomington in the U.S. Maria has taught at the Royal College of Music in London as assistant Professor in Melissa Phelp’s class. In Manchester, She is playing on a F. Ravatin cello kindly loaned to her from the Jaernaker Foundation in Sweden.

Pianist Ugnius Pauliukonis is an acclaimed musician and award-winning pianist, teacher and performance art curator showcasing diverse musical talents across various genres. As soloist he has delighted audiences collaborating with prestigious orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, and Kaunas State Symphony Orchestra. His piano recitals have graced renowned venues like the Bridgewater Hall, Wigmore Hall in London, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic. Ugnius is a visionary musician and the driving force behind 'SONO ensemble,' an innovative chamber music group that pushes the boundaries of contemporary musical expression. Alongside his illustrious performing career, Ugnius is a devoted music educator and lecturer in Piano Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen, imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring pianists from around the world. In addition to his musical pursuits, Ugnius embraces the digital realm as a passionate YouTuber. Through his channel, he delves into key aspects of piano playing, offering insightful discussions and sharing a diverse range of performance techniques and all things related to music and piano performance.