Michael Sweeney has served as Principal Bassoonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1989. Over the years, critics have frequently praised his orchestral solos characterizing them as “soulful” and “imaginative” (Globe and Mail), and “superb” and “gorgeous” (National Post).

As a soloist, Michael is keenly interested in Baroque, Classical, and Postmodern work. In 2003, he premiered three newly commissioned works for bassoon and ensemble (including two from Canadian composers Marjan Mozetich and Rodney Sharman) and subsequently recorded them along with Mozart’s Concerto with The Seiler Strings. The CD, mozart and well beyond was praised by Gramophone magazine for its “vitality” and sensitivity, and in particular for Michael’s “excellent interpretation” of Mozart’s Concerto through which he “glides … with stunning suppleness.”

As a chamber musician, Michael has collaborated with pianists Emmanuel Ax, Ingrid Fliter, Angela Hewitt, James Parker and Patricia Parr, oboist Cynthia Steljes of Quartetto Gelato, and with Via Salzburg, Amici and the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. He was a founding member of Caliban (the quartet of bassoonists) and may be heard on their highly acclaimed debut CD, Bassoonatics!

In addition to performing, Michael is also interested in music history, especially research into Mozart’s music and life. He is currently at work on a commentary which will accompany his recent critical/performing edition of Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto.

Prior to joining the TSO, Michael attended state universities in California and New York, Yale School of Music, and University of Southern California studying bassoon with Kay Brightman, Arthur Weisberg, and Norman Herzberg. He also studied musicianship with Joan Panetti at Yale. Between the completion of his formal education and joining the TSO, he was the principal bassoonist of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra for two seasons.

Michael is married to Peter Eliot Weiss, who is a playwright.

Please visit www.michaelsweeney.com.