Vermont Violins is pleased to offer the fine Cello Bows from the estate of Josef Emonts, former first cellist of the New York Philharmonic.
Cellist Josef Emonts (1895-1964) was born in Liege, Belgium, where he studied at the Royal Conservatory and was awarded a gold medal for virtuosity. His instructors included Alfred Massau, Jean Gerardy, and Jacques Galliard. After World War I, Mr. Emonts performed as a member of the Queen’s Trio and was first cellist of the Theatre de la Monnai. he later moved to Algiers where he performed regularly with Camille Saint-Saens who died in the arms of Mr. Emonts.
Returning to Europe in 1924, Mr. Emonts toured for a year before moving to New York City where he performed as first cellist with the New York Symphony Orchestra (later renamed the New York Philharmonic) for 25 years. Mr. Emonts was a regular performer win the Lewisohn Stadium summer concert series of the 1930’s and performed regularly for 21 years with the Firestone Symphony Orchestra on the popular television show The Voice of Firestone.
Upon his retirement in 1955, Mr. Emonts joined the music faculty of Adelphi University, founding its symphonic orchestra and became a guest soloist with many orchetral events and continued on as a private instructor until his death.