Ema Lucas is a Portuguese vocalist, clarinettist, composer and multidisciplinary performer based in the Netherlands. Her music lives at the intersection of jazz, Portuguese tradition and contemporary storytelling, creating performances that are both emotionally intimate and artistically adventurous. Drawing inspiration from fado, Brazilian music, improvisation and poetic lyricism, Ema creates immersive live experiences where atmosphere, vulnerability and cultural identity take center stage.
Originally trained as a classical clarinettist, Ema began her musical journey in Portugal before continuing her studies in Belgium and later in the Netherlands. She completed her Bachelor in Classical Clarinet at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen and continued with a Master in Classical Clarinet at Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten. During this period, she developed a deep technical foundation as a musician while simultaneously searching for a more personal and emotionally direct artistic voice.
This search eventually led her to jazz and contemporary performance, where improvisation and storytelling opened new creative possibilities. Ema is currently completing a Master in Jazz Vocals at Fontys Academy of the Arts, where she graduated with distinction and further shaped her identity as both a vocalist and composer.
What makes Ema’s performances unique is her ability to combine musical precision with emotional honesty. Her concerts are not simply collections of songs, but carefully crafted journeys where sound, narrative and atmosphere merge into a single experience. Whether performing original compositions or reimagining Portuguese repertoire through a contemporary lens, she invites audiences into a world filled with saudade, intimacy and human connection.
Alongside her artistic work, Ema has extensive experience as a music educator, clarinet teacher and conductor in both Belgium and the Netherlands. She has taught clarinet and music theory at several music academies and has conducted youth ensembles and choirs, experiences that strengthened both her leadership skills and her passion for sharing music with others. She is also actively involved in the artistic and educational community at Fontys, having served on the Educational Committee of the Master of Music and as chairman of the student association On-Mute.
As a performer, Ema has appeared in diverse musical settings ranging from intimate acoustic performances to interdisciplinary projects that incorporate spoken word, visual atmosphere and improvisation. Her original project, EMALU, focuses on Portuguese poetry and original compositions, blending jazz harmony, Iberian influences and contemporary cross-over elements into a sound that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
At the heart of Ema’s work is a desire to create genuine emotional connection. Her performances balance professionalism with authenticity, technical artistry with freedom, and tradition with experimentation. Whether on stage as a singer, clarinettist or bandleader, Ema Lucas brings a powerful sense of identity, curiosity and artistic depth to every performance.
