The Hallé is thrilled to announce the appointment of violinist Emily Davis as Leader of the Hallé Orchestra, alongside Roberto Ruisi.
Emily will join current Leader, Roberto Ruisi, and 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 of the Hallé on Thursday 3 October 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 Davis 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.”
David Butcher, CEO of the Hallé, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Emily Davis to the Hallé family. Emily is an exceptional Leader, soloist and chamber musician and the perfect choice to lead our orchestra’s dynamic musicians alongside Roberto Ruisi. With such enviable talent in the Hallé’s Leader’s seat, 2024/25 is sure to be a thrilling season and one we cannot wait to share with our audiences.”
Roberto Ruisi, Leader of the Hallé Orchestra said: “Emily's appointment is a testament to the Hallé's commitment of bringing world-class artistry to Manchester. I am absolutely delighted to be sharing this special role alongside her, as we venture into an exciting new era of music-making for this wonderful orchestra.”
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Emily Davis’ first concert as Leader will be:
Rush Hour: Fire Rituals
Thursday 3 October 2024, 6pm
The Bridgewater Hall
Tan Dun Violin Concerto: Fire Ritual
Stravinsky The Firebird: Suite