Video 1: Michael Bridge plays an accordion transcription of “Asturias” by Isaac Albéniz.
Recorded at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Ont., in May 2018.

Video 2: Clarinettist Kornel Wolak and accordionist Michael Bridge (Double-Double Duo) play a transcription of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s arrangement of Bach’s “Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006: Prelude, Gavotte, Gigue”. Recorded at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Ont.

Michael Bridge will perform at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts 10 Year Anniversary on Monday, December 2, 2019 from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM in Richmond Hill, Ontario. ON! STAGE Series invites the audience to sit on their mainstage and be immersed in the world of live performance. This seven-part series features an eclectic collection of performers from across the performing arts world designed to push the boundaries and stretch the imagination. Check out Page 7 of the brochure for great price packages on this series.

Michaels bio (excerpts from his website) Described as “a wizard of the accordion,” Michael Bridge is internationally-renowned for his warm stage personality, stereotype-smashing versatility, and blazing virtuosity. Named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30”, he made his solo orchestral debut with the Boston Pops at 17 and gives over 100 concerts per year in Europe and the Americas. Encompassing the diversity of his live performances, his debut album, “Overture”, launched in 2018 and was named CBC Album of the Week.

More than a classical musician, Michael simply describes his repertoire as ‘concert music’ – encompassing baroque, classical, and contemporary works, along with a vast array of his own concert arrangements of folk and jazz music. Armed with both acoustic and digital accordions, all sounds emanating from the stage (up to the sound of a full orchestra) are played 100% live. Prolific in working with composers, Michael has given over 40 world premieres.

Equally adept performing with orchestras, playing an energetic outdoor festival, or giving a TED Talk, Michael is a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta’s Emerging Artist Medal, and winner of the University of Toronto Concerto Competition, the Canadian Digital Accordion Championships and the Calgary Stampede Talent Search.
On tour, Michael performs solo or with orchestra, and with his two ensembles – Bridge+Wolak and Ladom Ensemble. He has toured in Poland, France, Italy, the U.K., Ecuador, the USA and in every Canadian province.

Michael is pursuing his doctoral studies in accordion performance at the University of Toronto, studying with Joseph Macerollo. He gives frequent guest lectures at universities and festivals on topics including The Music Business for Student, Performance and Speaking Skills, and Composing for Accordion. He has adjudicated accordion competitions in Canada and the USA. He has gratefully received support for his academic work and touring from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, The Sylva Gelber Music Foundation, the Government of Alberta and the University of Toronto.

Michael’s first accordion was purchased at a garage sale for $5 when he was five. Two decades later, he is active in many facets of the concert music scene, boldly redefining the perception of his traditional instrument. www.MichaelBridgeMusic.com

Future performances include:
November 1, 2019 – Devils Lake, ND, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 3, 2019 – Alexandria, MN, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 4, 2019 – Hibbing, MN, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 6, 2019 – Sheboygan, WI, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 8, 2019 – New Ulm, MN, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 9, 2019 – St. James, MN, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 10, 2019 – Fremont, NE, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 11, 2019 – Grand Island, NE, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 12, 2019 – Rock Springs, WI, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 15, 2019 – La Porte, IN, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 16, 2019 – Freeport, IL, USA… Bridge & Wolak
November 17, 2019 – Watertown, WI, USA…Bridge & Wolak
November 24, 2019 – Cornwall, ON; Conwall Concert Association;Ladom Ensemble
November 26, 2019 – Toronto, ON
   COC Noon Hour Concert Series Four Seasons  Arts Centre
   Richard Bradshaw Amphitheater Ladom Ensemble

December 1, 2019 – Hamilton, ON…Musicata Choir & Michael Bridge
December 2, 2019 – Toronto, ON, Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre, Michael Bridge Solo