Emanuel Hurwitz is internationally renowned as one of Britain's foremost chamber musicians. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and after war service founded the Hurwitz String Quartet. For over twenty years he was leader of the English Chamber Orchestra where he frequently appeared as soloist and conductor. During this time he led the Melos Ensemble with whom he made recordings (now on CD) of the major ensemble repertoire.

He spent two seasons as leader of the New Philharmonia Orchestra under Otto Klemperer and Carlo Maria Giulini, sometimes directing the orchestra himself. From 1970-1981 he was leader of the Aeolian String Quartet with whom he toured extensively as well as making many recordings including the complete 22 CD set of Haydn String Quartets and the Late Beethoven Quartets.

Emanuel Hurwitz was awarded the Gold Medal of the Worshipful Company Of Musicians of London and in 1978 the CBE for outstanding services to chamber music.