Michael Collins

Michael Collins (born 27 January 1962) is a British clarinetist and conductor. One of the foremost clarinetists of his generation, he has served as the principal of the Philharmonia Orchestra and London Sinfonietta. Collins has performed widely as a soloist and played on over 35 recordings on several record labels. He has also served as the conductor of several orchestras and was the principal conductor of the City of London Sinfonia from 2010 to 2018.

Early life Collins was born on 27 January 1962 in Isleworth, West London. He began playing the clarinet aged seven after attending a London Symphony Orchestra performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade suite, which inspired him to take up the instrument. Aged 18, he briefly studied at the Juilliard in New York City with Stanley Drucker before deciding to return to studying under King.

Career Collins has served as the principal clarinet of several orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra (1987–1995) He has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Proms, having made his debuts in 1982 and 1984 respectively. He has been described as "one of the best clarinettists walking the planet" by The Times and a "virtuoso" by The Sydney Morning Herald. Zurich Chamber Orchestra and London Mozart Players, of which he was the artistic director from 2021 to 2023. Collins is the founder of the London Winds, a chamber ensemble with which he toured Europe and North America. His favourite piece to perform is the Mozart Clarinet Concerto. Instrumentalist of the Year (2007) – Royal Philharmonia Society AllMusic Year in Review: Favourite Classical Instrumental Albums (2020)

Recordings