Executive Director
Michael Hill, Double Bass
Born in Rapid City, SD, Michael began his musical studies under the direction of Leona Merek, Elizabeth Benusis, and Bruce Knowles. For college, Michael chose to study with members of the Minnesota Orchestra at the University of Minnesota, James Clute. In 1988, he transferred to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia on full scholarship. Two days before graduation in 1992, Michael won his first international audition to join the Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon in Valladolid, Spain. In 1994, Michael won his second international audition for a position as Acting and Co-Principal Bass of the Orquesta Sinfonica de Galicia.
As a college student and a professional musician Michael has performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., as well as France, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy. He has also recorded with soloists such as Placido Domingo, Felix Ayo, and Maria Bayo. In 1996 he won a position as Principal Bass of the Orlando Philharmonic. In 1999 he won a position as Assistant Principal Bass of the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC, which he held until 2002.
In the fall of 1999 Michael, his wife, and three dogs moved to Orlando, FL. In addition to his performing responsibilities, Michael is Adjunct Professor of Bass for the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Florida Southern College, Southeastern College, and Valencia Community College. He is also a founding member of the Philharmonic Jazz and Orlando Chamber Soloists.
Recently Michael and his wife, Dawn Marie established a summer residence at the Chamber Music Festival in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their mission is to bring the best chamber music and educational program to the community of the Black Hills.
As a college student and a professional musician Michael has performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., as well as France, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy. He has also recorded with soloists such as Placido Domingo, Felix Ayo, and Maria Bayo. In 1996 he won a position as Principal Bass of the Orlando Philharmonic. In 1999 he won a position as Assistant Principal Bass of the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC, which he held until 2002.
In the fall of 1999 Michael, his wife, and three dogs moved to Orlando, FL. In addition to his performing responsibilities, Michael is Adjunct Professor of Bass for the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Florida Southern College, Southeastern College, and Valencia Community College. He is also a founding member of the Philharmonic Jazz and Orlando Chamber Soloists.
Recently Michael and his wife, Dawn Marie established a summer residence at the Chamber Music Festival in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their mission is to bring the best chamber music and educational program to the community of the Black Hills.
