The new Emerson Quartet
Photo: Lisa Mazzucco
After the Emerson String Quartet’s long time cellist David Finckel stepped down in May, the American Quartet is joined by British cellist and conductor Paul Watkins, 43.
Watkins studied cello with William Pleeth, Melissa Phelps and Johannes Goritzki. From 1990 to 1997, he was principal cellist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He is a member of the Nash Ensemble and is also active as a conductor. In June 2009, the English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) named Watkins its music director. Watkins also became principal guest conductor of the Ulster Orchestra with the 2009-2010 season.
