
Michael J. Evans is an American composer based in Washington DC. He has recorded with pianist Karolin Rojahn, Sirius String Quartet, Janaček Philharmonic, Moravian Philharmonic, St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, and Kiev Philharmonic. Most recently, “Reunion”, his latest work celebrating the end of the COVID lockdown, received its world premier on May 21, 2022 by the Portland Youth Philharmonic.
His 2015 release of “Misery”, an anti-concerto for bassoon, based on the Anton Chekhov story of the same name, featured the winner of the 66th Prague Spring International Music Competition: Jan Hudeček, as soloist, along with the Moravian Philharmonic. “Into the Woods” received its Carnegie Hall premier on April 15, 2018, and subsequently in a concert of the Subotičkoj Filharmoniji, the oldest orchestra in Serbia. His latest album, THE ADVENTURES OF FLORIAN, an orchestral fairytale featuring a transgender hero and a gay prince, was recorded in January 2020 with the Janaček Philharmonic and features stunning illustrations by visual artist Appoline Etienne. The first act of A Fine Agitation, an opera based on the voting rights trial of Susan B. Anthony, was recorded by the Janaček Philharmonic in November 2022.
Evans began his musical studies at age 10, with piano and saxophone, and attended Kent State University, where he studied piano and composition. In 1986 he moved to Washington DC.
Living in DC has had a profound influence on his music. Many of his works explore, or are inspired by LGBTQ, environmental, and social justice issues. His recent projects are focused on multimedia: combining music, literature, and video.
You will find Evans in the kitchen when he is not composing. An admitted cooking show addict, he is always discovering new techniques, and experimenting with (hopefully) delicious creations.
Albums
A Fine Agitation
Catalog Number: NV6524
The Adventures of Florian
Catalog Number: NV6301
String Quartet No. 1 The Music of Erich Zann
Catalog Number: NV6083
Misery
Catalog Number: NV6029
PARMA Music Festival Live 2014
Catalog Number: NV6002
Cipher
Catalog Number: NV5962
The PARMA Sessions: Karolina Rojahn
Catalog Number: NV5925
Dances Of Eternity
Catalog Number: NV5907
Fine Music, Vol. 2
Catalog Number: NV5851
Eidola
Catalog Number: NV5843