Emma Granger - harpist

Biography

Emma was born in northwest Devon and began studying the harp at the age of eleven. She had seen a picture of a harp, liked the fact that it was big and unusual, and ‘nagged’ her parents into letting her take up the instrument. She was already learning the piano and could read music, which was a great help. Later, valuable experience was gained when she reached the semifinals of the ‘BBC Young Musician of the Year’ in 1984 and 1986 and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Emma accepted a place at New College, Oxford, where she received instrumental awards from both the Countess of Munster Musical Trust and the Ian Fleming Charitable Trust. She has performed as a soloist for music societies throughout the country. She is also a member of the ‘Arianna’ flute and harp duo. Currently principal harpist with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, she manages to combine her work there with a busy freelance career in solo, chamber and orchestral work.