Michael O’Donnell
BMus(Hons), PG Dip, PGCE
As a classically-trained flute specialist, Michael has enjoyed a versatile and international career. Performing professionally in the roles of orchestral principal, chamber musician and soloist, concert appearances have taken him to renowned venues across the U.K., Europe and Asia.
Michael is a highly regarded teacher, with pupils ranging from complete beginners to advanced performers. In addition to giving instrumental lessons for children and adults, his wide experience includes masterclasses, chamber music coaching and adjudicating on competition panels.
Michael is also to be found in the classroom or giving educational workshops. He has taught at high-achieving schools in the U.K. and Hong Kong, and was a long-standing member of the Kellett School Music department. This involved collaboration with young musicians and teaching professionals across Asia.
Growing up in the U.K., Michael began his musical studies at a young age. Whilst at school he was introduced to the instruments of the orchestra, and was immediately drawn to the expressive sound and versatility of the flute. Following regular lessons, he become actively involved in various local youth orchestras and ensembles. During this formative time, the many opportunities to travel and forge friendships with fellow musicians directed him towards a professional performing career.
In 1997 Michael was awarded a Foundation Scholarship to London’s Royal College of Music. Studying with Susan Milan he graduated with First Class Honours, whilst also gaining numerous prizes and awards for flute playing and chamber musicianship. Subsequently awarded a postgraduate scholarship, he undertook additional studies with Paul Edmund Davies. Financial bursaries also enabled him to attended the annual William Bennett Masterclass courses and the Tunnell Trust festival for chamber musicians.
Following graduation, Michael undertook numerous freelance performances and overseas tours with orchestras including the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, National Symphony and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. He was involved in various commercial recording projects, notably performances and London-based session work with the John Wilson Orchestra. Active as a chamber musician, Michael gave performances throughout the UK, including a recital at London’s Purcell Room. He also taught the flute at some of London’s foremost schools, including the London Oratory School.
Moving to Hong Kong in 2003, Michael held the position of Principal Flute with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and Macau Orchestras respectively. During his time Michael was featured as a concerto soloist, and was frequently invited as guest musician with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and other local ensembles. This also involved numerous tours to Mainland China and other parts of Asia.
Alongside his playing commitments, Michael became increasingly active in music education, teaching flute to a wide range of ages and abilities. He was involved in numerous youth orchestra projects, and gave recitals and classes at full-time music schools, including the Beijing Central Conservatoire.
Wishing to explore further this highly rewarding aspect of his work, Michael returned to the U.K. to undertake full-time studies in music education, gaining a Post Graduate Certificate in 2012. He assumed the role of Director of Music at Norland Place School, London, returning to Hong Kong in 2014 to join the Music department at Kellett School. In these respective roles, Michael was extensively involved with musical learning across the whole life of the school; working with orchestras, choirs, musical productions and overseas trips, he has amassed a great deal of experience in helping pupils of different abilities and backgrounds.
During the many orchestral tours to China, Michael developed an interest in the Chinese language and culture. He obtained the Chinese University of Hong Kong Advanced Diploma in Putonghua with Distinction and attended a semester of further tuition at the Beijing Language and Culture University.
