A former 'Promising Young Musician 2022' in 'De Twintigers' at the national classical radio Klara, 'Vocatio-Laureate 2023' for her dedication to reviving forgotten Romantic guitar repertoire performed on historical instruments with remarkable skill and authenticity, and Ambassadrice for historical guitars at the monumental Museum Vleeshuis, Emma Wills is celebrated as one of the most extraordinary and versatile guitarists of her generation. Her exceptional artistry shines not only through her innovative programs and projects but also in her mastery of diverse instruments, including the vihuela, chitarra battente, and the Romantic and classical guitar, showcased across her varied performances.
In addition to her captivating solo projects, Wills is also featured in various successful ensembles. She performs with accordionist Sebastian Enriques (Duo Como), soprano Fleur Strijbos (Duo Leora), the Delta Baroque ensemble and collaborates with cellist Octavie Dostaler-Lalonde.
Wills appears on stages in every corner of Belgium and captivates audiences internationally across Europe. Her appearances include iconic venues and festivals stuch as the Ullapool Guitar Festival, Barok bis Rock, Concertgebouw Brugge, MA Festival, Waldenfestival, Musica Devina Festival, AMUZ, Bach in de Stad, Kamermuziekdagen Brugge, Kasteel van Gaasbeek, Drongenhofkapel, Festival Odegand, Gent Festival van Vlaanderen, MIM Brussels, Museum Vleeshuis Maastricht, Klub Katarakt Hamburg, and a livestream for the IAWM Portland. Her performances, spanning cultural centers, historic sites, and renowned festivals, showcase her artistry across Europe and beyond.
Born in Brasschaat (BE) in 1998, Wills started playing the guitar at the age of eight. She obtained multiple Masters' in Music Performance degrees from the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow. Wills studied under the guidance of Professors Allan Neave, Matthew McAllister, Sasha Savaloni, Nico Couck and Roland Broux.