“A viola star in the making!”
About
Born in Los Angeles in 1999, Emma Wernig is a German-Austrian violist who has quickly become recognized for her expressive artistry and distinctive musical voice, establishing herself as a rising star on the international stage.
A distinguished competition laureate, Emma was awarded the Barbirolli Prize at the 2019 Tertis International Viola Competition and won the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition in 2017. These early successes were pivotal in launching her international career. In recognition of her exceptional talent, she also received the Wilo Foundation Prize in 2021, which continues to support her development as a soloist. These prestigious accolades paved the way for a vibrant performance career, which includes concertos, recitals, and chamber music performances across Europe and beyond.
Passionate about expanding the viola repertoire, Emma made her highly praised debut in 2021 with an album of rare Austrian viola works, recorded with pianist Albert Cano-Smit for the Champs Hill Records label. The album was met with critical acclaim for its innovative programming and rich interpretation. In 2024, she further expanded her discography with a recording of Alfred Schnittke's "Concerto for Three" alongside Gidon Kremer, Magdalena Ceple, and the Kremerata Baltica, underlining her ongoing commitment to both new and established repertoire.
Emma is also known for her creative approach to programming. An enthusiastic arranger, she often adapts works originally written for other instruments, such as cello, violin, and voice, for the viola. She will debut her arrangement of Schumann’s Cello Concerto in the 2024/25 season.
As a soloist, Emma has performed with orchestras, including the Kremerata Baltica, Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, Folkwang Kammerorchester, and Folkwang Kammerorchester, among others. In 2024, she served as 1st Principal Viola with the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra and participated in the orchestra’s recording of Schönberg's "Verklärte Nacht" for Deutsche Grammophon under the baton of Fabio Luisi.
Emma’s chamber music career is equally distinguished. She has collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Janine Jansen, Gidon Kremer, Lynn Harrell, Daniel Müller-Schott, Steven Isserlis, Christian Tetzlaff, Tabea Zimmermann, Nils Mönkemeyer, and Viviane Hagner, among others. Her performances have been featured at prestigious festivals including the Verbier Festival, Kronberg Academy’s Chamber Music Connects the World, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Grachtenfestival, Grafenegg Festival, Krzyzowa Music, Gezeitenkonzerte, and the Vevey Spring Classic Festival.
Emma’s educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, where she studied with Paul Coletti, and a Master’s degree from the Yale School of Music, where she studied with Ettore Causa and received the Lucy Grosvenor Memorial Prize. She has since completed an additional Master’s degree at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, studying with Tabea Zimmermann.
Emma plays a viola crafted by Jason Viseltear in 2019 and currently resides in Berlin, Germany.
D I S C O G R A P H Y
P R E S S
Emma Wernig and Albert Cano Smit have chosen neglected repertoire that surely deserves much wider exposure… delivering playing of great passion and intensity - ★★★★★ BBC Music Magazine
“their readings ooze that uniquely, untranslatably Austrian quality, Gemütlichkeit … Her vivid musical imagination makes this listener look forward to further acquaintance with this highly promising artist."- The Strad - Click for full review
"her performances shine with authenticity ... IT’s all so natural, so sung- such an attractive waiting game as to where she’ll take the colors next."- Gramophone, October 2021. Click for full review
an outstanding CD."- The whole note, canada 2021
The strad opinion Piece - Click here to read
LISTEN
GALLERY
RECENT + U P N E X T
October 20- Wigmore hall, london, uk
Haydn Op. 64 No. 3, Beethoven String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132
With Doric String Quartet
November 2- Stamford, UK
Haydn Op. 64 No. 3, Beethoven String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132
With Doric String Quartet
November 18- copenhagen, Dk
Morgens Dahl Concert Hall
Schumann Piano Quintet , Beethoven String Quartet Op. 135, Brahms Piano Quartet No. 2
With Doric String Quartet and Jonathan Biss
November 20- aalborg, DK
Aalborg Kammermusikforening
Schumann Piano Quintet , Beethoven String Quartet Op. 135, Brahms Piano Quartet No. 2
With Doric String Quartet and Jonathan Biss
November 23- stockholm, se
Hotel J Chamber Music Series
Mendelssohn Bb Viola Quintet
With Catharina Lee, Kristina Winiarski, Alva Holm, Ami-Louise Johnsson