Emma Zou is a 16 year old junior at Poolesville High School, Maryland. Her musical journey began when she picked up piano over 10 years ago, and quickly ascended from children's recitals to formal competitions. She plays competitively in MSMTA Spring Piano Solo Festivals, in which she has placed 1st and/or 2nd each year, and also participates in ensemble competitions. Emma excels each year in the Top Talent Circle of the National Piano Guild Audition too. Emma started learning viola 5 years ago, and has quickly grown to love the instrument - especially its aspects that contrast with piano! She has won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in several annual competitions, such as the Joseph and Goldie Feder String Competition and the Charleston International String Competition. She has also participated in Maryland Classical Youth Orchestras for four years, and currently enjoys playing in the Philharmonic orchestra with friends. In addition to her two competitive instruments, Emma is a budding composer. She won the Special Category Award in the 2022 International Composition Contest, and has participated in two MSMTA Composer's Circles with two separate pieces. Outside the world of competitive music, Emma enjoys writing, playing guitar, participating in her school's forensics team, and more!
Concerto for Viola and Orchestra by William Walton (adapted for viola and piano); 8:21 minutes
