Michael Sundell

Michael Sundell was appointed to the Contrabassoon and Utility Bassoon position with the Colorado Symphony in the fall of 2007. He attended the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with William Winstead, and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University as a student of Benjamin Kamins. Michael also cites Norman Herzberg, Dennis Michel, and Jim Rodgers as significant influences. Prior to joining the Colorado Symphony, Michael enjoyed an extensive career as a freelance musician working with many orchestras throughout the U.S. including the National Symphony, Kennedy Center Opera, San Diego Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Houston Ballet, and New Mexico Symphony. He has held positions with the Milwaukee Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic, and Virginia Symphony and recently recorded and toured with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of their music director, Gustavo Dudamel. Michael has also performed with a number of summer music festivals including the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, the Colorado Music Festival, OK Mozart festival and is currently a member of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony.

A dedicated teacher, as well as performer, Michael frequently coaches music students in the Denver area schools andthe Denver Young Artist Orchestra and maintains a studio of private students. When he is not practicing or making reeds, he enjoys fly fishing, cooking Thai and Indian cuisine, and spending time with his family.