Dan Poenaru comes from the great Romanian school of piano, which counts among its most illustrious representatives Dinu Lipatti and Clara Haskil. Born in Bucharest, he begins studying the piano at the “George Enescu” College of Music in the Rumanian capital and wins, at the age of 15, the special price of the jury in the national contest of interpretation, for the execution of the concerto for piano and orchestra of Paul Constantinescu. He continues his musical studies at the Academy of his birthplace (piano with Anna Pitis and Ioana Minei), and excels as an outstanding student.
At the beginning of the ’80th, he continues to perfect his play with the Argentinean pianist Eduardo Vercelli, in Geneva, Switzerland, (he acquires Swiss nationality a few years later) and obtains the diploma of virtuosity at the Academy of Neuchâtel.

He begins his international career as a soloist with recitals, firstly in Switzerland and then as a soloist in Germany (with Rachmaninov 3rd concerto), Russia and other Eastern European countries.
The critics praise highly this accomplished pianist who combines “power, tenderness and sensitivity”.

His repertory extends from Scarlatti to Samuel Barber, from the baroque period until the mid 20th century. He particularly loves the romantic composers of the 19th century (Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Chopin and Liszt).
His public interpretation of Brahms two concertos for piano and orchestra on the 19th of October 2006, made it possible to fully appreciate the tormented, romantic and at the same time, fragile and monumental world of the great German composer. This concert has been live registered on a double CD album, praised by music lovers and specialists:
“A  Titan  at  Brahms’  Service:  the pianist Dan Poenaru achieved the impossible:  recording in one session Brahms’ two piano concertos, and in concert if you please!
To interpret both  Brahms’ piano concertos, a fortiori in one session, is to erect a monument, to build in turn a cathedral and a fortress with one’s bare hands, stone after stone.  As well as a building vocation, titanic force, endurance and virtuosity are required to tackle these two ample and exacting works. 
Grandeur too...  Dan Poenaru combines all these qualities, to which are added a profound sense of tragedy and great sensitivity. “
Leo Bolliger, 24 Heures Lausanne

Far from the stardom which prevails on the international musical scene, Dan Poenaru plays with his natural reserve and graciousness, and at the same time, a particular dynamic and unique fire, which makes his performances a powerful experience. The virtuosity which flows so easily from his fingers is first of all, and above all, at the service of the music.