Michael J. Evans
Michael J. Evans is an American composer based in Washington, D.C. 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 on 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, is scheduled to be recorded by the Janaček Philharmonic in November, 2022.
Michael began his musical studies at age ten, with piano and saxophone, and attended Kent State University, where he studied piano and composition. In 1986 he moved to Washington, D.C.
Living in D.C. has had a profound influence on his music. Many of his works explore, or are inspired by LGBTQ, environmental, social justice issues.
Michael’s musical language is polystylistic, and experimental but accessible. His recent projects are focused on multimedia: combining music, literature, and video.
You will find Michael 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.
