MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Michael Mitchell is an award winning pianist, music director, composer, arranger and orchestrator who is an endorsed Yamaha Artist.

Michael is the Music Director for“Amateur Night at the Apollo” at the world famous Apollo Theater in the historic Harlem, NY. Most recently Michael, along with his wife, Annastasia Victory were commissioned to be the arrangers, orchestrators, and music directors for a ground breaking new musical – “A Wonderful Word: The Life and Music of Louis Armstrong.” The world premiere will be presented by Miami New Drama at the Colony Theater Fall 2021.

Michael has made his mark in the Broadway world as an associate conductor on the smash hit show Motown: The Musical. He is the Associate Conductor for the highly anticipated Broadway show MJ: The Musical – a behind the scenes look at Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour.

Some of his other broadway credits include: The Color Purple, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Memphis, Baby It’s You. Michael was a part of the music team for NBC’s award winning production of The Wiz Live!

Michael completed 4 years as conductor/music director for the North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley, from the motion picture Jesus Christ Superstar. He was also the conductor/music director for Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel (Alliance Theater); where he was awarded the Suzi Bass Award for ‘Best Musical Director’. As the Music Director for The Best of Both Worlds (American Repertory Theater) and Dreamgirls (Dallas Theater Center), he received rave reviews for his music direction as well as pianistic abilities.

Michael arranged and recorded “Un Peu Plus Haut, Un Peu Plus Loin” (“A Little Higher, A Little Further”) for the 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver, Canada) – performed at the Opening Ceremony by international artist: Garou. Michael was commissioned to arrange and orchestrate “The Closer I Get To You/Where Is The Love” – premiered by the Houston Pops Orchestra. Michael arrangements and orchestrations have been performed by: The Boston Pops, Philly Pops, San Diego Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, and many others.

Michael has performed with great artists like: Lisa Fischer, Rickey Minor, India Arie, Billy Porter, Ledisi, Michael J. Fox, Jennifer Holiday, Christian McBride, Hinton Battle, Jazmin Sullivan, Joan Osborne, Bob Mintzer (of the Yellowjackets), Joshua Henry, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Mario Cantone, Dr. Lillias White, Johnny Gill, and many more.; He can be heard performing on some of New York’s iconic stages: Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Feinstein’s/54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and The Cutting Room.

As a percussionist, Michael performed with The American Musical Ambassador Concert Band (European tour) and the John Philip Sousa Concert Band (Washington, DC).

Michael has composed, arranged, performed and/or produced on many albums including: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 (w/ Leslie Odom, Jr.); The Last Word (w/ the legendary O’Jays – S Curve records);  Playing Chess (singer Elise LeGrow); Simply Christmas [Deluxe Edition] (Leslie Odom, Jr. – S Curve Records); My Shania Twain Songbook (Staci Griesbach),  Great Joy II: Around the World (Broadway Inspirations Voices);  Invincible (guitarist Felton Offard); Lectionary Psalms: The Revised Grail Psalms (GIA Publications); Evolution(Yewende – Lotus Records); Smashing Musical Barriers (3 Mo’ Divas), and more.

Michael recieved his degree in Music Business from DePauw University, He is a member of SAG/AFTRA and Local 802 Musicians Union. He continues to perform internationally and nationally and has a new music coming in 2021.