Emma Purslow
Violinist and violist Emma Purslow was born in the Peak District, England and enjoys a freelance career based in London. She performs extensively throughout the UK with orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and next season will make her debut with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra. Emma appears regularly as a soloist and chamber musician at festivals including Musique Cordiale, Buxton International Festival, Roman River Festival, Barnes Music Festival, Stift International Music Festival in Holland and Hvinde Sande in Denmark, as well as at music societies through the UK and Europe. Emma is the first violinist of the Alkyona String Quartet, who are Making Music Artists 2020-2021, Tunnel Trust Artists 2020-2021, Musicians in Residence at Leighton House, and have recently released their first album in collaboration with Cegin Productions. She also plays regularly with the Corran Quartet, who are looking forward to being Buxton International Festival’s Chamber Ensemble in Residence 2022, as well as a residency at the Britten Pears Foundation in 2022.
As well as her performance career, Emma is passionate about music education and outreach. She tutors for the National Children’s Orchestra, Royal College of Music Junior Department, Chethams School of Music, Pro Corda, and Musiko Musika, an organisation that celebrates diversity through music. Emma is also Head of Strings at Newton Prep School in London. She is a member of Anglo-Chilean band Quimantu, with whom she enjoys touring in South America and Europe, and led the Street Orchestra of London between 2016-2019. Described by the Guardian as “truly uplifting” this 40-piece ensemble brings live performance to those unable to access it. She is very grateful to the Harrison-Frank Foundation for the loan of her 1713 Venetian violin, and to the Hepner Foundation for the loan of a beautiful Ceruti viola.