Michael Collins MBE is one of the most complete musicians of his generation, enjoying a distinguished international career as both clarinettist and conductor. Renowned for his virtuosity, versatility, and artistic insight, he has recently gained widespread recognition for his work on the podium. From 2010 to 2018, Collins served as Principal Conductor of the City of London Sinfonia, and from 2021 to 2023, he was Artistic Director of the London Mozart Players. From the 2025/26 season, he will take up a new role as Principal Guest Artist with the Ulster Orchestra.
Recent highlights include an Australian tour with the Australian String Quartet at UKARIA, appearances at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and a play/direct performance with Omega Ensemble featuring the world premiere of Graeme Koehne’s Dances on the Edge of Time. Upcoming engagements include the premieres of Sally Beamish’s Izaki for clarinet and orchestra with the Tapiola Sinfonietta, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, and Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
In 2026, Collins returns to the Philharmonia Orchestra to lead a programme of Mozart symphonies, ahead of their next BIS Records release, Mozart Vol. 3.