Rising Stars

Three to look out for…

Emily Nebel

Violinist

Born: Arizona, US

Career highlight: When I was at the Royal Academy of Music, I led a joint orchestra with musicians from New York’s Juilliard School in an unforgettable concert at the 2019 BBC Proms. I also recently recorded an album of my favourite French sonatas with pianist Jean-sélim Abdelmoula.

Musical hero: I was fortunate enough to have worked with violinist Peter Salaff, founding member of the Cleveland Quartet, whose love for the string quartet repertoire was inspiring and infectious.

Dream concert: An epic night of chamber music with all my friends, culminating in an open jam session where we feel free to improvise and engage the audience.

Hao Zi Yoh

Pianist

Born: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Career highlight: Playing Schumann’s Piano Concerto at the finals of the Roma International Piano Competition with the Nova Amadeus Orchestra in Rome’s Teatro Quirino.

Musical hero: When I was growing up, I was taught to stay home, be passive and follow the rules. Pianist Martha Argerich stands for the exact opposite, so has always been the figure I’ve looked up to.

Dream concert: Since the lockdown, performing in concert halls like Royal Albert Hall seems like a far-fetched idea. Most of all, I would just like to connect with as many people as possible – preferably playing Ravel’s Concerto for Piano Left Hand. Cecilia De Maria Harpist

Born: Bath, UK

Career highlight:

My debut concerto at the Barbican will always stand out as a very special performance. In the same week, I also performed as a soloist at Wigmore Hall. Musical hero: Jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby was able to show the harp in a new light and really helped establish it as the versatile instrument it is.

Dream concert: The coronavirus lockdown has really changed my aspirations. I will never take any concert for granted again and am just looking forward to being able to play with others and perform to those who can connect with my music.