Jillian Emerson

Biography

Jillian’s career as a pit cellist began when they saw their first musical at the local high school, and they were mostly fascinated with the work happening below the stage. They began playing in the orchestra pit the next year. Highlights since their first production include performing in the North American premiere of Alice at Yale’s David Geffen School of Drama and being featured in Javier Muñoz's music video, Sirens.

As an orchestral musician, they have performed with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Composers Spotlight, Ocala Symphony, Saint Petersburg Opera Company, Non-Conformists Orchestra, and most recently the New Haven Symphony as a Harmony Fellow. They have also been invited to perform at Lincoln Center as well as the Wadsworth Atheneum. While classically trained, Jillian is also comfortable improvising and playing in bands. They regularly appear with Alexandra Burnet and the Proven Winners, have previously guest starred with Space Camp and Ceschi, and shared bills with artists like Kimya Dawson, Ezra Furman, and Codefendants.