Emily
Saito-Noble

Emily (12) is currently pursuing piano studies under the esteemed guidance of Mr. Yoon Sen Lee, with long-term mentorship from Dr. Raymond Yong. She is also an ongoing pupil of one of the world’s most respected pianists, Ms. Maria João Pires, whose deep musical insight has profoundly influenced Emily’s interpretive depth and artistic voice.

Emily’s musical journey began in early childhood, shaped by the Suzuki philosophy and Dalcroze Eurhythmics, which nurtured her natural perception, sensitivity, and mindfulness from a very young age. Her former mentors include Georgina Adamson, Prof. Armen Babakhanian, and Andy Li.

A passionate performer and dedicated student, Emily has received numerous accolades both locally and internationally. At age 9, she was presented with the Best Certificate of Performance Award of the Year from the Australian Music Examinations Board (WA). Her rapid progress continued: at age 10, she earned the Associate in Music Australia (AMusA); by age 11, she was awarded both the Licentiate in Music Australia (LMusA) and the Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) with Distinction. She was also honoured with the title of MetSO Young Artist.

Emily has received dozens of First Prizes and Special Awards internationally, including First Place at the IV International Chopin Piano Competition Gloria Artis in Vienna, and First Place at the American Protégé International Piano and String Competition in New York, where she was also awarded the Overall Judges’ Distinction Shield. She has also received top prizes locally, such as the Junior Overall Best Pianist Award at the Fremantle Eisteddfod, the Best Classical Performance Award at the WAMTA Recital & Concerto Competition, and the Overall Best Performance Award at the Anglican School of Commissions Combined Piano Competition.

Her performances have taken her to major international stages, including the Amphithéâtre Cité de la Musique–Philharmonie in Paris (2022) and Carnegie Hall in New York (2023). She is next scheduled to fly to Italy for solo and concerto recitals at Vecchi Tonelli in Modena and Incontri col Maestro in Imola, and to Portugal to continue her studies with Ms. Maria João Pires.

Driven by a deep curiosity for music theory and analysis, Emily explores musical structure, harmonic language, and interpretative possibilities to enrich her connection to the repertoire. She has a particular interest in Classical-era works, as well as compositions shaped by Neoclassical and Impressionist influences. Her performances are often described as embodying poetic sensibility, tonal clarity, and emotional depth.

Beyond the piano, Emily enjoys spending time in nature, loves animals, photography, reading, and experimenting with cooking in her spare time.

Emily’s musical journey can also be followed on her Instagram account “emilysaitonoble”

Emily will be stepping onto the MetSO stage for our Summer Event :