Described as a “sleek and glistening vocal talent” (San Francisco Chronicle), soprano Emily Yocum Black is a versatile and accomplished performer of many genres of music. Known for her sparkling, clear tone and particular gifts as a communicator, she feels at home in art song, chamber music, oratorio, choral ensembles, opera, and musical theatre. Emily has performed major works with orchestras and chamber ensembles across the U.S. including the Savannah Philharmonic, the Louisville Orchestra, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the Jackson Symphony, American Bach Soloists, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Spire Chamber Ensemble, Madison Bach Musicians, and Bourbon Baroque. Recent engagements include concerts and “House of Belonging” album recording with Conspirare, Mozart’s Requiem with Mozart in the Knobs, Handel’s Messiah with Kentucky Bach Choir and Bourbon Baroque, and inaugural concerts with Artefact Ensemble. Competitions include 2nd Prize in the 2021 Oratorio Society of New York Vocal Competition, the 2019 Silver Medal and 2018 Sherrill Milnes Opera Award at the American Traditions Vocal Competition, First Place in the American Prize for Art Song-Professional Division, 1st Place in the Mid-South NATSAA Competition, 2nd Place in the 7th Annual Handel Aria Competition, and 1st Place in the Kentucky Bach Choir Audrey Rooney Vocal Competition.
Emily is an alumnus of SongFest (2014, 2017), American Bach Soloists Academy (2018), Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute (2018), Savannah VOICE Festival (2019-2021), and RISE Camp at Crested Butte Music Festival (2020). She holds bachelors and masters degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Louisville where she was a Teaching Assistant in her graduate degree. Upon returning to her hometown of Paducah, Kentucky, Emily opened a studio - Atomic City Voice Studio - and began teaching private voice there and at Paducah Tilghman High School. Emily is an active participant at the Market House Theatre, Paducah’s award-winning community theater, as a music director for children’s shows and a performer. She is also co-founder of the choral ensemble, The Paducah Singers, along with her husband, Fowler.