Michael Ellison

Lecturer in Music

Contact details

• Telephone: (0117) 331 4057
• Email: michael.ellison@bristol.ac.uk

Background

Newly arrived to Bristol after a decade in Istanbul, Michael Ellison received his PhD. from UC Santa Barbara (2003) and taught at MIAM Centre for Advanced Studies in Music (2002-2010).

Described as “beautifully crafted, robust and absorbing” by American Record Guide, Michael Ellison’s works have been commissioned and performed by the Borromeo Quartet (2002), BBC Symphony (2008), Duo Arcobaleni (2010), Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble (1994), flautist Helen Bledsoe for the Gaudeamus Festival (1996), and the New York Youth Symphony (1995).  His recent work explores the integration of disparate traditions and sonic experimentations into meaningful new forms.   

Founder and co-director of Istanbul’s Hezarfen Ensemble, Michael’s upcoming projects include the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic premiere of his first opera, Say I Am You-Mevlana (2011) in a co-production with Rotterdam Operadagen, VocaalLab Nederland, and Muziektheater Transparant (Caroline Petrick, director), and String Quartet # 3, commissioned by the Fry Street Quartet for US premiere in 2013. His CD Invocation was recently released on Innova Recordings (Innova 766, 2010).