Emily Ampt
Emily Ampt is an Australian violinist based in Manchester, UK. A seasoned and passionate chamber, orchestral and solo musician, Emily performs frequently as a freelancer with ensembles such as BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Manchester Camerata. She is a recent graduate of a Master of Music with Distinction at the RNCM, learning with Pavel Fischer. In Australia, she achieved her Bachelor and Postgraduate Certificate in Music Studies at Queensland Conservatorium, studying with Michele Walsh and Natsuko Yoshimoto.
Emily is the 2nd violinist of the Voluta Quartet, who took 1st prize at the RNCM Hirsch Prize 2025 and Weil Prize 2026, and who joined the RNCM Quartet Studio in 2026-27. The group has also been selected for the Hans Keller Forum in 2026-27 and continues a rewarding performance season around the UK. As half of the Grey Street Duo, Emily was awarded 2nd Prize in the RNCM Underrepresented Competition. She has also performed with Valette Ensemble for ‘Empower: Women Changing Music’. Performing at international chamber music summer festivals is an annual highlight, including Thy Chamber Music Festival (2026), T-Town Chamber Music Institute (2025) and Icicle Creek Chamber Music Institute (2024).
As a soloist, Emily was a finalist in the 2026 Norman George Violin Scholarship, gives regular lunchtime recitals around Manchester and was the Maureen Spurgin Award recipient in 2024/25. She has played in masterclasses with Jennifer Pike, David Requiro, Christina Dahl and Mikhail Schmidt. Education and community outreach is a huge passion for Emily and she has played in care homes, curated school programs and performed with Nomad for their ‘Young Explorers’ children’s program.
Emily has completed orchestral professional development schemes including City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Orchestral Residency program (2026) and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (2024-25). She is also passionate about performing new repertoire, leading the premiere of Zakiya Leeming’s opera ‘Dangerous Matter’ in 2025 and working with local composers in her chamber ensembles. Choral singing is also a large part of Emily’s musical life, and she was on Kantos Chamber Choir’s Professional Experience Scheme in 2025/26.
Recent performance highlights include a ‘Wigmore Sessions’ feature at Wigmore Hall and BBC’s televised ‘Philharmonic Sessions: The Rite of Spring’ with BBC Philharmonic at Aviva Studio.
Outside of music, I’m a big reader, occasional swimmer, avid traveller and Sandbar enthusiast.
Something I’m looking forward to:
During the Ruth Sutton Fellowship, I’m really looking forward to the openness and flexibility of the program. I hope to make the most out of both learning in a professional environment and expanding my curiosity for alternative classical music-making through community engagement opportunities. This scheme sounds like the perfect place to explore all of it.
Music recommendation:
Always and forever a fan of Louis Cole, a song that’s been on repeat lately has been Sam Wilkes & Louis Cole’s song ‘Own’. I think the bridge is so driving and beautiful. The whole album is very very cool!
