Emma McPhilemy

"We've all been there. You’re about to play a really exposed G# or C# in an important gig and the keys get stuck. It just sounds like you’re unprepared and have made a horrendous mistake! It’s not worth the risk. Every serious saxophonist should invest in Key Leaves products. No more sticky keys and a cleaner instrument. The answer to your saxophone worries!"
- EmmaMcPhilemy (Saxophone Soloist, Musical Director - River Dance, Abelia Saxophone Quartet)

Emma McPhilemy is an international soloist and performer with a highly unique and versatile style to her playing. She performs regularly throughout the UK, Europe and China as a soloist and as leader of ‘The Abelia Saxophone Quartet and Ensemble’. She recently graduated from The Royal Northern College of Music with a First Class Honours degree. 

Recent highlights include performing the UK premiere of John Mackey’s Soprano Saxophone Concerto; making her debut performance as a soloist at Wigmore Hall; leading her saxophone quartet to tour internationally whilst also having a busy schedule in the UK; touring Europe, the UK and China as the Musical Director and saxophone soloist in Bill Whelan’s production of ‘Riverdance’; winning the ‘Star Award’ from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Emma has also recently travelled to Ireland where she recorded soprano saxophone on Bill Whelan’s new 25th anniversary Riverdance album to be released in 2019.

Emma has worked regularly with Opera North, Manchester Camerata, and has recently been awarded a place at The Royal Northern College of Music to complete the ‘International Artist Diploma’. Excitingly, this includes a concerto appearance with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra where she will be premiering a new work written by composer, Tom Harrold.

In July 2018, Emma travelled to Zagreb for The World Saxophone Congress, and to Switzerland to perform solo recitals and collaborative performances with various ensembles at both events. In 2019 Emma plans to record a CD of new commissions with her pianist Philip Sharp. She will also be traveling to Australia to perform and teach as a feature artist for the 2019 Melbourne international Saxophone Festival, will return to Switzerland with her saxophone ensemble and will be launching her debut album in November.

Emma McPhilemy on IG