Still in his mid-20's, percussionist Michael Israelievitch has been hailed by the New York Times for his "infectious charisma" and by the Toronto Star as a "very stylish and subtle musician." He has received praise in North America and abroad for his musicality and versatility as a solo, chamber, and orchestral player.
Michael is the newly appointed Principal Timpanist and Percussionist of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Prior to this position, he spent two and a half seasons as Principal Timpanist of the New World Symphony in Miami Beach.
Michael has appeared as soloist with several orchestras including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where he has premiered new concertos by Kelly-Marie Murphy and Alexander Levkovich. He has also played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, performed as guest timpanist with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and in 2009 was Principal Timpanist of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony.
Michael has collaborated with artists including Martha Argerich, Measha Brueggergosman, Nelson Freire, Peter Oundjian, and his father Jacques Israelievitch and has performed chamber concerts at the Verbier Festival, Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Chautauqua Festival, and in New York City at Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall with pianist Leif Ove Andsnes. He has premiered works by leading composers including Samuel Adler, Michael Colgrass, and Libby Larsen.
A former student of Daniel Druckman and Roland Kohloff at the Juilliard School, Michael completed his Master's Degree in 2007 at Boston University under the tutelage of Timothy Genis.