Violinist Emma Purslow

Emma Purslow is a violinist and violist working as a chamber musician, educator, soloist and orchestral player in the UK and abroad. “A born performer, she corralls her ensemble with great skill and enthusiasm.” (A Youngish Perspective 2024)

Emma is the first violin of the Alkyona String Quartet and a member of O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra, whose members are looking forward to their tenure as Ensemble in Residence at Wigmore Hall in 2026. In 2024/2025, she performed as a guest with the Ligeti Quartet, Navarra Quartet, Sacconi Quartet and Explore Ensemble, and gave the London premiere of Dobrinka Tabakova’s ‘Patience of Trees’ violin concerto as a guest director of Sinfonia Smith Square. Emma led the Street Orchestra of London between 2016 and 2019. Described by the Guardian as “truly uplifting”, this 40-piece ensemble brings live performance to those unable to access it.

Emma is a sought-after teacher and educator, with a position teaching at Chetham’s School of Music. She coaches regularly at the National Children’s Orchestra and Royal College of Music Junior Department, and presents workshops and interactive concerts for London Mozart Players and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She is active in the London folk music scene as a member of the Anglo-Chilean band Quimantu, with whom she works closely to create opportunities for people of all cultures to express themselves through music.

Programme – first half

• George Enescu – Impressions of Childhood i. Ménétrier
• Grażyna Bacewicz – Kaprys Polski
• Heinrich Ignaz Franz – Passacaglia

Interval with complimentary tea and biscuits.

Programme – second half

• Eugène Ysaÿe – Sonata No. 2i. Obsessionii. Maniconia
• Hildegard von Bingen – Karitas Habundat
• Trad. Scottish – I will set my ship in order
• Kenji Bunch – Until next time