Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Trombonist Michael Bertoncello began his studies with Ian Perry at the Victorian College of the Arts and in 1997 took up a position with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago studying with Michael Mulcahy. In 1998, he joined the Shanghai Radio Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trombone and the following year he joined the Auckland Philharmonic in the same position. Michael then moved to Switzerland to take up the position of Solo Trombone of the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich in 2001 before coming home to Australia for his current position with Melbourne Symphony in 2005.

Michael has been very active as a chamber musician both in Australia and overseas. He was a founding member of both the Melbourne and Australian Chamber Brass Ensembles, has also been a member of the Australian Trombone Quartet, and has performed with the esteemed European ensemble, 'German Brass' on tour throughout Germany. Michael is also in demand as a recitalist and teacher having given classes and recitals in Germany, France, Switzerland, U.S.A and China and Hong Kong.

As a soloist Michael has performed with the Melbourne Symphony, West Australian Symphony, Tasmanian Symphony, Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse and the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich.

Michael is founder and Co-Director of the Melbourne International Festival of Brass currently in it’s 5th year, and is also on the Faculty of the University of Melbourne Brass Department.

Michael has recorded the David and Wagenseil Trombone Concerti on the Arte Nova Classics label, performing with David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich.

Michael resides in Moonee Ponds with his wife Kate and is the proud father of two daughters, Rose and Zara.