The Hallé is thrilled to announce the appointment of violinist Emily Davis as leader of the Hallé Orchestra, alongside Roberto Ruisi.
Together they will share the leader seat as the orchestra heads into its 2024/25 season with new principal conductor, Kahchun Wong.
Emily commands a strong international reputation as an orchestra leader, having been invited as a guest leader with orchestras including the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Odense Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. She formerly held the position of Concertmaster with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and for two years as a student was Concertmaster of the European Union Youth Orchestra.
As a soloist, she has performed in festivals and venues across the world, with highlights including Arvo Pärt’s Fratres with Vasily Petrenko at the Pärnu Festival in Estonia, Piazzolla’s Four Seasons at the Bergen International Festival, and the Cuban premiere of Vaughan Williams’s Lark Ascending. She is also passionate about directing larger chamber ensembles and is founder of ‘Thirteen North’ – an ensemble influenced by both classical and folk music.
Emily will make her debut as leader on October 3, in a concert featuring Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Conducted by Kahchun Wong, the concert is part of the orchestra’s popular new Rush Hour series, at The Bridgewater Hall.
Emily said: “Joining the Hallé as Leader is an immensely joyful moment for me. Having attended Chetham’s School of Music as a teenager, I have a great love for both Manchester and the Hallé. I spent many formative moments watching this wonderful orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall, and am very proud to now be able to call it my new musical home.”
Image credit: Nino Felbab
