Margaret Powell

Biography

Australian cellist Margaret Powell first came to England to study with Jacqueline du Pré. As soloist and chamber musician she has performed in all of London’s major concert halls, as well as throughout Europe, Canada, South East Asia and Australia, including radio and television broadcasts. Her many competition awards include the Royal Overseas League, Greater London Arts Association, Pablo Casals Competition and Granada International String Competition.  

As a founder member of the Dussek Piano Trio she has recorded trios by Brahms, Haydn, Frank Bridge and Arensky for Meridian Records, and William Hurlstone for Dutton Epoch. She has been the cellist in the London Harpsichord Ensemble since 1996. 

Margaret studied with Cedric Ashton and John Painter at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where she was awarded her Performer’s and Teacher’s Diplomas in both cello and piano and was Student of the Year. She furthered her studies in Barcelona with Radu Aldulescu and Lluís Claret and in London with Jacqueline du Pré and William Pleeth.  

She has taught at Junior Guildhall since 1985, and was Head of Chamber Music for 10 years. She has given masterclasses and coached on courses both in the UK and abroad.  She is married to pianist Michael Dussek and they have a daughter, Rachel.