When and where was your first concert with the MCO? August 2010, Athens. This was a really nice first project, in such an interesting city and one that is not a regular tour destination. Being August, it was extremely hot, but the enduring memory is of having a fantastic time making music, meeting wonderful people, and thinking to myself that I would like to do many more projects with this orchestra!
What’s the best thing about playing with the MCO? It is hard to isolate one best thing, so I will give you three! Firstly the music-making itself. When an orchestra of such fantastic musicians give 100% to every performance, the result is always electric and a joy to be part of. I enjoy the touring aspect - I have always loved travel, to see so many interesting and exciting cities all around the world as a part of the job is certainly a highlight. Finally, and perhaps most interestingly - After every performance members of the orchestra all congratulate one other. 'Bravo, bravo' abounds throughout the dressing rooms. It doesn't matter whether one is the concertmaster, second flute or back of the cellos, everyone is important and deserves congratulations after a good concert. This is something that I have never experienced in any other orchestra, and makes MCO very special!
What do you need to feel at home whilst on tour? This might sound funny (for a man), but my toiletries! Even for short tours, I always take my own shower gel, shampoo and face wash. There is nothing that makes me feel further away from home than squeezing out those stupid hotel shampoo tubes or peeling the soap bar from it's wrapper! I also always take my laptop with lots of TV shows preloaded. Especially good for watching during travel.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I think it is the requirement to perform well and to the best of your abilities at each and every concert. There are times when you simply don't feel like performing, when you might be overly tired or feeling a little off for whatever reason. Overcoming this and still giving a good performance is often a big challenge.
Can you tell us something about your instrument? My instrument is a Nicolo Gagliano from 1751- It is a beautiful old Italian violin by one of the great makers. Unfortunately the reality of instrument values compared with musician's salaries mean that I may not have it for too long, but I will enjoy it while it lasts!
BIOGRAPHY Currently sharing his time between Australia and Europe, Michael performs with several ensembles and orchestras, in addition to regular chamber music engagements.
Aside from working with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Michael has appeared as Guest Concertmaster with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and Guest Associate Concertmaster with Orchestra Victoria. He also regularly performs with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
From 2005 Michael spent two years as leader, director and artistic planner of the Australian Classical Players, during which time the ensemble received critical acclaim. He is now a core member of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and is often called upon to lead and direct this ensemble.
Michael is a member of the Hamer Quartet (winners of the 2009 Asia Pacific Chamber Music Competition and named in The Age newspaper’s ‘100 most influential people in Australia’ list) and recently appeared as guest violinist with the Melbourne-based Firebird Trio.
Conducting is another of Michael’s interests, and he has completed training under Maestri Christopher Seaman, Sebastian Lang-Lessing and John Hopkins, conducting the Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras.Michael completed his musical study at the University of Melbourne with William Hennessy and at the Australian National Academy of Music with Alice Waten.
