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
For more than twenty years, Emma was a key member and soloist with the acclaimed Adelaide Chamber Singers. During her time with the ensemble, she toured internationally, winning the title of ‘Choir of the World’ at the Kathaumixw and Llangollen festivals. Her performances with ACS also included appearances at WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival, Coriole, Port Fairy, and Huntington Estate Music Festivals. She even shared the stage with the Rolling Stones at Adelaide Oval in 2014.
Collaborations
Emma is one of the founding members of Eve, a female vocal trio that has performed live on ABC Classic FM. She has also presented concerts through the Musica Viva in Schools program and is part of the vocal quintet Syntony.
Emma enjoys private teaching, choral conducting, and has recorded five solo CDs, all of which have been featured on ABC Classic FM. She cherishes her role as a mother to Elanor and Liam and loves spending time with family and friends. Her other interests include reading, watching classic movies and period dramas, enjoying nature, cooking, and exercising.
Eve Vocal Trio
Syntony Vocal Quintet