Emma Schmiedecke – Praised for her “huge musicality, depth of interpretation, and technical expertise” (Manhattan International Music Competition), cellist Emma Schmiedecke is a vibrant interpreter of both classical and contemporary repertoire. Her accolades include a Silver Medal at the 4th Manhattan International Music Competition and first prize in the Bergen Philharmonic Young Artist Competition. A staunch advocate for new music, Emma has premiered works by composers such as Joan Tower and John Corigliano, performing with the American Composers Orchestra and 21C New Music Festival. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has appeared at Ottawa Chamberfest, Stratford Summer Music, and the Banff Centre. She is a co-founder of Duo Caprice and a core member of the Lagom Music Society. Emma’s orchestral experience spans the American Symphony Orchestra to the Canadian Studio Orchestra. An active educator, she has taught at the University of Toronto, the Glenn Gould School, and the Taylor Performance Academy. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto, with additional degrees from McGill’s Schulich School of Music and Bard College. Her primary mentors include Peter Wiley, Matt Haimovitz, and Joseph Johnson. Emma’s multifaceted background also includes a degree in Art History, reflecting her broad creative perspective.