Emma Wernig, viola, is establishing herself as a rising star on the international stage, recognized for her expressive artistry and distinctive musical personality. This is her first performance with New Canaan Chamber Music. At 18 years of age, she began winning international viola competitions and these early successes were pivotal in launching her international career with performances including concertos, recitals, chamber music, and orchestras across Europe and beyond. Passionate about expanding the viola repertoire, Wernig made her highly praised recording debut in 2021 with an album of rare Austrian viola works, recorded with pianist Albert Cano-Smit for the Champs Hill Records label. In addition to her extensive performances, she is the newly appointed violist of the award-winning Doric String Quartet based in London. Upcoming projects include a full Beethoven cycle at Wigmore Hall as well as tours to America, Japan, and Australia, further strengthening the quartet’s renowned presence in the world of chamber music.

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. She is a regularly invited Guest Principal of the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Wernig has a bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, a master’s degree from the Yale School of Music, and an additional master’s degree from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. She plays a viola crafted by Jason Viseltear in 2019. She currently resides in London.