Biography
Meet Emma
Emma is one of Adelaide’s most popular and respected musicians and is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide. She performs as a soprano soloist and ensemble singer, a pedal and Celtic harp soloist, and as a harpist-singer, accompanying her beautiful voice on harp.
With over 20 years’ experience and a wide repertoire of classical, Celtic and contemporary music, Emma performs for weddings and other events, as well as on the concert stage where she is known for her purity of tone, versatility and engaging stage presence.
Emma presents frequent solo recitals to critical acclaim and has performed as part of concert series at Adelaide University, Flinders University, Urrbrae House, multi-media venue The Lab, and as guest artist for The Firm and Adelaide Baroque.
Harp and Voice
A specialist in the art of accompanying her singing on harp, Emma performs regularly as harpist and vocalist at weddings, funerals, corporate functions, private events, recitals and festivals, including sell-out shows in the Adelaide Fringe. Emma especially loves to connect with audiences in intimate venues, presenting themed concerts with her enchanting vocals and harp, interwoven with history and storytelling of the music. She also collaborates as harp/voice and percussion duo with her husband, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussionist, Steve Peterka.
Although Emma loves performing a wide variety of styles, she is particularly passionate about early music and Celtic music.
Emma was vocal soloist in the Celtic Illusion show in Adelaide and Canberra in 20221/2022 and is one half of Duo Celtica with harpist Christine Morphett. She also co-directs the SA Celtic Harp Orchestra, with whom she has performed at the Fleurieu Folk Festival.
Emma Horwood and husband, Steve Peterka
SA Celtic Harp Orchestra
Adelaide Chamber Singers
A core member and soloist with the award-winning Adelaide Chamber Singers since 2000, Emma has toured internationally with the group, winning the title of ‘Choir of the World’ (at Kathaumixw and Llangollen festivals). With ACS she has also performed at WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival, Coriole, Port Fairy and Huntington Estate Music Festivals, and with the Rolling Stones at Adelaide Oval in 2014.
Collaborations
Emma is a founding member of female vocal trio Eve, with whom she performed live on ABC Classic FM. Emma has also presented concerts as part of the Musica Viva in Schools programme, and is a member of vocal quintet Syntony.
Emma also enjoys private teaching and choral conducting and has recorded five solo CD’s, all featured on ABC Classic FM. She relishes her role as mum to Elanor and Liam and loves spending time with family and friends. Emma’s other interests include reading, classic movies, period dramas, nature, cooking and exercise.
Eve Vocal Trio
Syntony Vocal Quintet