Biography

Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the Elder Conservatorium at Adelaide University in 2001 and a Graduate Diploma in Education in 2004. She is a highly sought after harpist, singer, teacher and conductor.

Acclaimed Vocal Soloist

Emma studied voice under Keith Hempton at the Conservatorium at Adelaide University and later under Rosalind Martin. A well–known solo singer, Emma was soprano soloist with the composers’ collective known as The Firm from 2001 – 2005, presenting recitals of lieder and new music. As The Firm&rsquo's artist–in–residence for 2005, Emma recorded her debut solo vocal CD Night Dreams. Emma presents frequent solo recitals and has collaborated with artists including trumpeter David Elton, guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski and pianist Jamie Cock, performing in the Jurlique and Elder Hall Lunchtime concert series. She was featured as vocal soloist on ABC Classic FM’s Rising Stars programme in 2006, was soloist in the State Theatre production of This Uncharted Hour in 2007 and sang the role of Belinda in Dido and Aneas opposite Sally–Anne Russell at Coriole Festival in 2007. In 2008 she performed in the Adelaide Fringe show Abelard and Heloise and was chosen to perform the Brahms Liebslieder Walzes with renowned accompanist Malcolm Martineau in Elder Hall. Emma has also performed with Adelaide Baroque and as soloist with many choirs including AUCS, Cantamus, Adelaide Male Voice Choir, Philharmonia Chorus and Graduate Singers.

Accomplished Ensemble Singer

Emma has been a core member and soloist with the acclaimed Adelaide Chamber Singers since 2000. She has toured with them to Melbourne for ChoralFest in 2000, to Singapore for the Asia South Pacific Symposium on Choral Music in 2001, to Japan for Pacific Choral Days in 2004, to Perth in 2005 for a performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in the Perth International Arts Festival, and to the US and England on their 2006 tour where they won the Choir of the World at Kathaumixw award in Canada. As part of ACS she has performed at the Adelaide Festival, Coriole Festival and with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, singing solo arias in Bach’s St. John Passion and Mass in B Minor and Handel’s Israel in Egypt and Messiah. She has also performed several Sunday Live concerts on ABC Classic FM and was soloist in Arvo Pärt’s Miserere for the 2008 Adelaide Festival.

Emma is a founding member of female vocal trio Eve, presenting two live recitals on ABC Classic FM’s Sunday Live program in 2003 and 2004 and their own annual concert series in Adelaide to critical acclaim from 2003 – 2005. In August 2006 Eve presented concerts in London and Norwich in England, and studied with early music specialists John Potter and Anna Maria Friman in York. Eve’s debut CD Evesong was nominated for an OzMusic award and voted favourite CD of 2004 by ABC radio presenter Colin Fox. Their second album Muse has been similarly successful. Emma currently presents concerts with Eve as part of the Musica Viva in Schools programme.

Emma is also a member of vocal ensemble Syntony, performing with them at the Barossa Festival in 2003, in the Fringe and Coriole Festival in 2004, with Adelaide Baroque and in their annual concert series.

Emma has also sung with female a cappella group Orphean, performing at the Festival of 1000 Voices in 1999, with Voiceworks, touring to Europe with them in 2000, and with vocal ensembles Cantoris, Certain Notes and Gallerie Consort.

Harp and Voice

An accomplished performer in the highly specialized art of singing whilst accompanying herself on harp, Emma presents frequent harp and voice recitals. She has performed at the Australian Harp Festival in 2006, in the Artspace concert series for the Festival Centre in 2007 and on stage at the Bundaleer Forest Festival in 2007 and 2009. In 2009 she also performed at Ayers House and in the Urrbrae House and Flinders University concert series, as part of the Prospect Twilight concert and at Kaffe Abend in Tanunda. Emma also enjoys performing in regional areas and has given harp and voice recitals in Willunga, Kadina and Balaklava in South Australia. She released her solo harp and voice CD Vox Angelica (Voice of an Angel) in 2007. Emma performs regularly as harpist and vocalist at weddings, funerals, private and corporate functions.

Heavenly Harpist

Emma majored in harp at the University of Adelaide, winning the Rosemary St. John harp scholarship and first prize in the Adelaide Eisteddfod senior harp solo section in 2000 and 2001. She has played as a casual member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, performing in Wagner’s Ring Cycle in 2004, and has performed with the Elder Conservatorium, Burnside and Norwood Symphony Orchestras. Emma also accompanied Adelaide Chamber Singers and Eve in their performances of Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols in 2002 and 2005. Emma performs regularly as harpist at weddings, funerals, private and corporate functions.

Recording Artist

Emma’s CDs are regularly heard on ABC Classic FM, 5MBS and Radio Adelaide. She recorded her first self–titled album of harp and voice music in 2003. Her debut solo vocal CD of German lieder and new works, Night Dreams with pianist Jamie Cock, was recorded for The Firm in 2005. This was followed by her harp and voice CD Vox Angelica (Voice of an Angel) in 2007, which was featured as CD of the week on ABC Classic FM’s On the Veranda programme. She released her vocal CD Songs of Life and Love with guitarist Aleksandr Tsiboulski in 2009. Emma’s ensemble CDs include Eve Vocal trio’s Evesong and Muse, Syntony’s self–titled album and several recordings with Adelaide Chamber Singers.

Harp and Voice Teacher

Emma teaches both harp and voice to people of all ages. She has taught at Annesley College, Walford Anglican School for Girls and Tatachilla Lutheran College. She currently teaches privately from her home in Stirling, Adelaide Hills.

Choral Conductor

Emma studied conducting under Carl Crossin at the University of Adelaide. Emma currently conducts female choir Bella Voce at the University of Adelaide and in 2010 she will join the Corinthian Singers as their new musical director. She has presented professional development courses for teachers in singing and conducting through Musica Viva in Schools since 2008 and is an assistant chorus master for the Adelaide Festival’s 2010 performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8. Emma has conducted both adult and children’s choirs, tutoring for the Australian Girls Choir from 2000 – 2008, directing female a cappella group Galline from 2006 – 2008, the Chandos Chorale from 2003 – 2004 and as guest conductor with the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Choir.