Community Leader
A vibrant conductor and versitile musician, Michael has over a decade of professional experience in musical leadership.
He currently serves as:
Artistic Director with the Edmonton Pops Orchestra
&
Conductor & Pianist
With hundreds of concert engagements and over three dozen musicals as music director, conductor and pianist, Michael has performed in Edmonton and all over the world with institutions like the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Alberta, Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, Citadel Theatre, Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Goodspeed Musicals.
Michael began singing and playing piano at a young age before studying horn in school. While attending university, he developed a love for chamber music and performed with large ensembles on the horn and keyboard.
He holds advanced degrees in music performance and conducting and spends his time composing music for the theatre and concert stage.
Above all, Michael’s love for storytelling and passion for orchestra have made him an excellent communicator and beloved music director and conductor.
Composer & Arranger
An avid composer and arranger with an affection for orchestra, Michael has written music for over a dozen original concert programs, as well as five new musicals. His arrangements have been heard across Canada and on the radio.
Highlights include the world Premiere of Once Upon A Frost at Festival Place (Composer, Writer, Director), the Canadian Premiere of the Broadway musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (Music Director), and the World Premiere of the Broadway musical Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Goodspeed Musicals (Music Assistant).
Collaborator & Partner
Michael is a storyteller—a trusted collaborator and partner who is always exploring new relationships, building community and finding new avenues to make music.
He serves as Director of the Edmonton Composers Competition and with the Johann Strauss Foundation. He has partnered with a variety of venues including Walterdale Theatre, Festival Place and the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Centre.
Michael has worked with countless vocalists, feature artists, session musicians, dancers, soloists, choruses and bands across Western Canada. He also has lasting collaborative relationships with local theatre companies like Straight Edge Theatre and Rotten Tomatoes.
In addition, Michael has spent a decade working in research and diagnostic laboratories, holds a degree in molecular genetics and is a Red Seal Journeyman Electrician with experience in the building trades.
Michael is a graduate of programs at the University of Alberta, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Eastman School, University of Nebraska and Juilliard School.
