Jean-François Michel

Swiss Composer and Brass Music Specialist

Classical trumpeter and composer (b. March 6, 1957, in Courtepin, Switzerland). Jean-François Michel studied music at the Conservatoire de Fribourg. At the age of 18, he won the bronze medal at the Geneva International Performance Competition and joined the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra (Germany) as principal trumpet in 1976. During his years in Munich (1976 to 1986) he also played as a soloist and chamber musician in various sets of wind instruments (including the Freiburger Blechbläserquartett, the Münchner Gabrielli-Blechbläserquintett, the Slokar-Brassensemble). In 1981 he received a "Mention" from the Association of Swiss Musicians. He has toured in many European countries, Japan and Argentina. He was also 1st trumpet of the Münschner Bachorchester under the direction of Karl Richter. Since 1986 Jean-François Michel has been lecturer at the Conservatoire de Fribourg and since 1997 Professor at the Conservatoire de Genève. He writes methods for beginners and composes pieces for brass: solos with piano, duets, trios, brass ensemble, harmonies and brass band. Jean-François Michel is the brother of Guy Michel (2) and Matthieu Michel.