Emily Smith

Photographer: Shervin Lainez

Praised as playing “gorgeously” (The Boston Globe) and with “irrepressible élan” (The Seattle Times), violinist Emily Daggett Smith has performed across the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Dr. Smith made her New York concerto debut playing the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Juilliard Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall, and has since performed as soloist with orchestras including Iris Orchestra, the National Music Festival and the New York Classical Players. She has given solo recitals across the country at venues including the Kennedy Center and Music in the Loft in Chicago. Dr. Smith was recently named the new first violinist of the Vega String Quartet, which is in residence at Emory University, and began her position in January, 2022. Equally passionate about performing old and new music, Dr. Smith has premiered dozens of works, both as soloist, chamber musician and as a member of The Knights Chamber Orchestra. In addition to Emory University, Dr. Smith has served on faculty at Stony Brook University’s undergraduate music program, Bard College Simon’s Rock, and the Juilliard School, as assistant for Laurie Smukler. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University. She plays on a Johannes Cuypers violin, generously donated by Dr. Marylou Witz.