Michelle John Add to Shortlist

Michelle has music performance degrees from the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of Tasmania. She has studied cello in New York and toured over 23 countries with the Como Quartet.  Recently, Michelle has played at festivals in Paris and the UK with The David Chesworth Ensemble, and has conducted workshops and chamber music concerts in New Zealand. At home, she freelances with The Melbourne Musicians, Orchestra Victoria, Chambermade Opera, The Ragadolls Salon Orchestra and other symphony orchestras. 

Michelle is passionate about collaborating in new and unusual ways with other artists and composers. Her world music band Aajinta’s debut CD ‘Harmonic Spheres’ received critical acclaim, and she is currently composing music for an upcoming documentary with this ensemble of cello, didgeridoo, clarinet and harmonic vocals.  She has written and performed music for the dance group ‘Mixed Company’, and has premiered composers such as Michael Nyman’s (The Piano) works.

Michelle has recorded with many artists including Paul Kelly, The John Butler Trio, Max Merrit, The Moovin’ and Groovin’ Orchestra, Naked Raven, True Live and Whitley and has been interviewed and broadcast on ABCFM, Radio National, 3RRR, 3MBS and 3PBS.  She has also recorded improvised solo works for film soundtracks. 

She has performed in venues as diverse as BMW Edge, Hamer Hall, in parklands around Mia Mia Gallery, St. Patrick’s and St. Paul’s Cathedrals, and a city car park for the Melbourne International Festival!  Michelle has also appeared with various ensembles on ABC-TV. 

Michelle’s commitment to musical excellence combined with her ability to adapt performances to best suit each client’s vision has led to compliments from the Duchess of York and the Ferrari Grand Prix team, amongst other corporate events in Melbourne over the last 15 years.