The University of Toronto, like many music schools, hosts a concerto competition every year to select the soloist(s) that will play with its orchestra in the upcoming concert season. The competition is open to all undergraduate and masters students, including all instrumentalists and vocalists, playing any orchestral work of their choosing.

On the weekend of January 10th and 11th, Michael Bridge progressed through both rounds of the U of T’s concerto competition and was selected as one of the four winners who will perform as a soloist with the orchestra during the 2015/16 season.

Michael performed the Italian-America composer Paul Creston’s ‘Concerto for Accordion & Orchestra’ with a piano reduction (by the composer), performed by Dr. Hye Won Cecilia Lee. The date of the orchestral performance will be announced in the coming months.

Widely known in accordion circles as a Canadian Roland digital accordion champion and a high-energy polka-rock entertainer, Michael’s driving passions revolve around classical, contemporary and chamber music and the recognition of the accordion as a serious concert instrument.

Michael has studied accordion performance at the University of Toronto with Professor Joseph Macerollo since 2011. In 2015, Michael will graduate with his Bachelor’s degree in accordion performance, and plans to continue with a Master’s degree next September.

The University of Toronto (currently North America’s only degree-granting institution with an accordion department) places a strong emphasis on new music and some unusual classical instruments, including accordion and saxophone.

Michael has had the privilege to premiere over a dozen new works composed by student and professional composers, ranging from duo pieces (acc. & soprano, acc. & harp) to large ensemble and small orchestral works.

The 2015 spring/summer schedule is filling up quickly, and Michael is looking forward to touring through West Virginia, Washington, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

For more information about Michael and his upcoming concerts, or to contact him, please visit www.michaelbridgemusic.com