Michelle Wood

Australian Hometown: Melbourne
Education: University of Melbourne

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Michelle Wood began her cello studies at the age of seven. She completed both her Bachelor and Masters of Music degrees at the University of Melbourne under the tuition of Arturs Ezergailis, and then Christian Wojtowicz in Tasmania, as the recipient of an Australian Postgraduate Award.

During her time at university, Michelle became the founding cellist of the Tinalley String Quartet. Performances with the Quartet over 14 years have led to both national and international acclaim, and tours to some of the finest concert halls in the world; including the Berlin Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw, Musikverein, and Frankfurt AlteOper. She has been mentored by cellists from the St Lawrence Quartet, Tokyo Quartet, and Keller Quartet amongst numerous others. Tinalley were also winners of the 9th International Banff String Quartet Competition, leading to extensive tours of Europe and North America, and representation in Europe. Alongside the quartet`s illustrious career, Michelle`s chamber music performances have also extended to appearances as guest artist with the Australian String Quartet, Australia Ensemble, Stargaze Ensemble in Berlin, and festivals both in Australia and Europe. She has been broadcast widely on radio both in Australia and Europe, and has recorded to great acclaim with both Tinalley Quartet (Ravel & Debussy Quartets for Decca, and Haydn Op.20) and violinist Kristian Winther (Tzigane).

In 2018 Michelle became co-Artistic director of Concerts Sans Frontières (CSF) – an exciting new international concert series that had its inaugural year presented at the prestigious Australian Embassy in Paris. The series is a collective of internationally renowned Australian classical musicians and their international friends and colleagues, coming together from all corners of the world to give classical music lovers rare and free access to remarkable concerts.

Michelle is also at home within the orchestra, and is currently a member of the cello section of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. She has been an acting Principal and Guest Associate Principal Cellist in both the Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras respectively, as well as a core player in the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (performing as soloist and principal cellist). Michelle has also had the honour to perform and tour as part of the Australian World Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Zubin Mehta in concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, as well as its tour to India in 2015, and their recent 2018 season with Riccardo Muti.

Michelle is a passionate teacher, and is involved in mentoring and teaching many young chamber musicians and cellists. She has worked with ensembles and students from the University of Melbourne, Australian National Academy of Music, Melbourne Youth Orchestra programs and at the Australian Youth Orchestra`s National Music Camp as well as Fellowship Programs with the Melbourne Symphony.

Michelle performs on a instrument made in 1849 by Charles Boullangier 

Last updated 2023