Emma Cary joined the North Carolina Symphony’s cello section in September 2025. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with Richard Aaron and holds a master’s degree from Rice University, where she studied with Desmond Hoebig.
Cary served as principal cellist of the University of Michigan, Rice University Shepherd School, Music Academy of the West, and Eastern Music Festival orchestras; as assistant principal cellist with the Atlanta Opera orchestra, and in the cello section of the Richmond Symphony and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra.
A passionate chamber musician, Cary was the cellist of Trio Amabile at the University of Michigan. The trio won second prize at the Briggs Chamber Music Competition and were semi finalists at the 2023 Plowman Competition. She attended Kneisel Hall, the Meadowmount School of Music, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival. She has also performed as part of the Richmond Chamber Players.
Cary appeared as a soloist with the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2019 and 2017. Her competition successes also include first prize in the MTNA Virginia Senior Strings Competition in 2017 and 2018.
Originally from Glen Allen, Virginia, she began cello studies at the age of five with her father, Neal Cary. Additional studies with Hans Jørgen Jensen and Steven Doane are also of great influence. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her cat, Cleo, and exploring new cafes.
