Violinist Emily Ilyes is quickly establishing a career as an engaging soloist in the tri-state area. She has performed in prestigious venues across the United States, including The Grand Ole Opry and the Kennedy Center, and has performed internationally in Argentina and Japan. In 2018, Emily was a featured soloist and performed John Corigliano’s Red Violin Concerto with the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra after winning their Young Artist Concerto Competition. In 2022, Emily won first place in the Virginia MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition. Presently, Emily holds a contracted position with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra as a first violin section member. She is also a finalist for the principal second violinist position with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Emily is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at Shenandoah Conservatory, where she receives a post-master’s degree scholarship and studies with Dr. Akemi Takayama, former member of the Audubon Quartet, and concertmaster of multiple esteemed symphony orchestras. Emily received her Master of Music degree from Texas Christian University on full scholarship in 2021 where she studied with Dr. Elisabeth Adkins. She earned dual Bachelor of Music degrees in performance and music education from West Virginia University under the direction of Dr. Mikylah Myers.

Emily receives a generous yearly scholarship from the Ryuji Ueno Foundation and currently performs on a 1769 Giuseppe Gagliano violin on a gracious loan from the Ryuji Ueno Foundation.