Michael Giel
Biography
Michael Giel is currently in his first year as Music Director and Conductor of the Alpharetta Symphony. Since 2010, he has also served as Principal Conductor of Capitol City Opera Company in Atlanta and is the Associate Conductor of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. Praised by ArtsATL for his “infectious onstage energy” and “vivacious demeanor,” he brings dynamic artistry to both classical and contemporary stages.
He spent seven seasons as Associate Conductor of the California Piano Concerto Festival in San Jose, CA, and has performed across Georgia and Florida with ensembles including the Savannah Philharmonic, Gwinnett Philharmonic, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Ocmulgee Symphony, Gainesville (GA) Symphony, Albany (GA) Symphony, Coastal Symphony of Georgia, Rome (GA) Symphony, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, Da Salo Solisti Chamber Orchestra, LaGrange Symphony, and Central Florida Symphony.
Michael earned Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Valdosta State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Georgia. From 2008 to 2014, he served as Orchestra Director for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program and has been a guest clinician for orchestra festivals in Atlanta Public Schools, Cherokee, DeKalb, Fulton, and Muscogee Counties.
In the modern music arena, Michael has performed with and for artists including CeeLo Green, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Evanescence, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, Chloe Agnew (Celtic Woman), John Hopkins (Zac Brown Band), Debby Boone, Il Volo, Debbie Reynolds, Barry Manilow, Michael Bolton, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Sarah Brightman, Lindsey Stirling, Il Divo, and the rapper T.I. in a pair of concerts in which Rolling Out Magazine said his conducting provided the “sonic magic.”
A native of Atlanta, Michael lives in Brookhaven with his wife, concert pianist Catherine Giel. The two also perform together in the rock band Full Service, with Catherine on keyboards and Michael on electric bass. In his spare time, he is an avid tennis player and outdoor enthusiast.