Ema Ambo began studying violin at age 4 and switched to the viola when she entered the Music High School of the Tokyo University of the Arts, going on to earn her degree and win the Doseikai Award from said university. After serving as a part-time lecturer at the Geidai Philharmonia Orchestra, Tokyo from 2001 to March 2005, that April she was appointed Principal Viola of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, where she often also performs as soloist. She has performed at various festivals including the Miyazaki International Music Festival, Affinis Music Festival, and the Cervo Festival. She also serves as a seasonal member of the Yokohama Sinfonietta. Her teachers include Junji Suganuma, Kazunori Kawasaki, Hisashi Ono, Toshihiko Ichitsubo, and Jean Sulem. Ambo was a member of the PMF Academy in 1999. This year marks her second professional appearance at PMF, following her performance as a member of the Homecoming Orchestra in 2025.