Emma Plehal

Emma K. Plehal is third bassoon/contrabassoon in the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Iowa, and is a music faculty member at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She has recently performed as a substitute or extra musician with the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Des Moines Symphony, Des Moines Metro Opera, and with many chamber music ensembles throughout the Midwest. Emma is also the founder and executive director of Lake Pepin Chamber Music.

In addition to her work as a bassoonist, Emma maintains a career as a freelance writer and editor, creating program notes and marketing materials for organizations including the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Lakes Area Music Festival, and many others.

Emma received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance from the University of Minnesota, studying with Norbert Nielubowski. She earned her undergraduate degree at Furman University, studying with Ann Shoemaker, and her master’s degree at the University of Minnesota, studying with Charles Ullery.