Michael Riesman

Renowned Philip Glass Ensemble Conductor and Pianist

Michael Riesman is a composer, conductor, keyboardist, and music director known for his long-standing collaboration with the renowned minimalist composer Philip Glass. As the music director of the Philip Glass Ensemble, which he joined in 1974, Riesman has played a pivotal role in performances and recordings of Glass's music. He has conducted and performed on numerous soundtracks for films scored by Glass, including "Koyaanisqatsi," "Powaqqatsi," "Dracula," and "The Hours." His expertise in interpreting Glass's compositions has made him a key figure in the production of Glass's music both live and in studio recordings. Riesman's work extends beyond his collaboration with Glass; he is also a composer in his own right, having written for film, theater, and the concert stage. His contributions to contemporary classical music and film scoring have established him as an influential figure within these genres.