Blog Post
Oldest professional pianist (ever): Cella Delavrancea
May 17, 2019
"I was raised in an atmosphere in which they spoke only of literature, art and music".
BUCHAREST, Romania--
Cella Delavrancea (15 December 1887 – 9 August 1991)was a Romanian pianist, writer and teacher of piano, whogave her last public recital, receiving six encores, at the age of 103, thus setting the world record for being the
World's Oldest Professional Pianist (Ever)
, according to the World Record Academy.
Daughter of writer Barbu Ștefănescu Delavrancea
and Maria Lupașcu, she studied piano first with her mother, then at the Conservatory of Bucharest and Paris.
She was deeply influenced by family, as she said herself, "I was raised
in an atmosphere in which they spoke only of literature, art and music".
She concerts throughout Europe alongside great artists, often in duet with George Enescu. Between 1950 and 1954 she worked as a teacher at the School of Music in Bucharest, and since 1954, at the Conservatory, where she launched a series of famous pianists as Nicolae Licăreț, Dan Grigore or Radu Lupu.
Cella Delavrancea was the eldest daughter of writer Barbu Ștefănescu Delavrancea, sister of architect Henrieta Delavrancea-Gibory, Niculina Delavrancea and "Bebs" Delavrancea, member of the circle of Eugen Lovinescu.
She was married to diplomat Viorel Tilea during World War I (divorced), to Aristide Blank (divorced), to Philippe Lahovary, and was one of the intimate friends of Queen Marie of Romania.
She's also known for her romantic relationship with Nae Ionescu, Romanian logician and politician, spiritual mentor of "Eliade generation".
Cella Delavrancea (1887–1991) gave her last public recital, receiving six encores, at the age of 103.
She was buried at Bellu cemetery, in Bucharest, Romania.
Related world records:
