Talented female musicians and composers in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra spotlight
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) this year welcomes internationally renowned violinist Emily Sun as their new Artist in Association. With a commitment to showcasing female composers in all of its Symphony Series Concerts, the captivating violinist will take to the stage three times in 2023 – the second of these concerts will be the world premiere ASO commission of Elena Kats-Chernin’s new violin concerto in Symphony Series 2 Wild.
“It is a thrill to be performing the world premiere of Elena Kats-Chernin’s violin concerto,” says Emily. “I have always loved Elena’s music; there is something very honest and generous about the way that she connects. Of course, as a violinist, there is no shortage of concertos, but I think it is important that we are always playing and creating music that is relevant, music that reflects our society and the world around us.”
Being able to effectively connect with an audience is, for Emily, what music is all about – and live performance, she says, is particularly emotive. “Nothing can replicate the excitement of a live music performance,” she says. “Inevitably, the same piece of music can never be replayed exactly the same way, even if it’s played by the same people. Experiencing that one special moment in a phrase, in a piece of music that can never be the same again, to be there in that moment in the audience or on stage is something that is really magical.”
Inspired by the spontaneity of music making from a young age – Emily’s father, Daniel Yi Sun, was a prominent composer and lecturer at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing – the craft has taken her all around the world, performing as a concerto soloist with leading orchestras, as a chamber musician, and as a recitalist in major concert halls. Currently, her focus is on performing with the ASO, and giving Adelaide audiences a truly memorable orchestral experience. “There is something very unique about the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – there is an incredible energy, which creates inspiring and stirring musical moments. [For me personally], as an Australian, it’s a privilege to perform alongside the ASO and to have this connection with one of the finest orchestras in the country.”
Photography Claudio Raschella
HMUA M&Co Style Bar
Dressed by Greta Kate
Jewellery by Anton Heunis
Shot on Location At Piccadilly Cinema