Michael Brooks-Reid
Co-Principal 2nd Violin – Camerata Bern; Guest Concertmaster – Orquestra Sinfonica del Principado de Asturias; Guest Principal 2nd Violin – Deutsche Radio Philharmonie; Guest performer – Mahler Chamber Orchestra; Scottish Chamber Orchestra; Aurora Orchestra; Camerata Bern; Kammerakademie Potsdam; Melbourne Chamber Orchestra
Australian Hometown: Melbourne
Education: University of Melbourne
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY
A member of one of Europe’s finest chamber orchestras, Camerata Bern, Michael works closely with musicians such as Steven Isserlis, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Sergio Azzolini, Antje Weithaas and Eric Höbarth (Quartuor Mosaïques), often in a chamber music context, as well as being regularly called on to lead and direct the ensemble himself.
Currently based in Munich, Michael makes guest appearances with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, German Radio Philharmonic, Bavarian State Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Aurora Orchestra, Sinfonia of London and Kammerakademie Potsdam and is a member of the Australian World Orchestra. Michael has played under many esteemed conductors, including the late greats Pierre Boulez and Claudio Abbado.
Since 2017, Michael has been a member of the Logos Chamber Group at the Joy of Music Festival in Hong Kong, where he has played chamber music with renowned members of the Hong Kong International Piano Competition jury including Peter Donohoe and Pascal Rogé.
As soloist, Michael has toured with the Camerata Bern and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, recently performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Melbourne, regional Victoria and throughout the Canton of Bern to critical acclaim.
From 2004-2008, Michael was Leader and Artistic director of the Australian Classical Players, where he programmed and directed the concert season from the first violins. Following this, Michael joined the Hamer Quartet, with whom he won the inaugural Asia-Pacific International Chamber Music Competition in 2008 and was subsequently named in The Age newspaper’s annual ‘100 most influential people in Australia’ list. Michael’s violin was made by Nicolo Gagliano in Naples in 1751.
Last updated 2023