About Michael Pignéguy
Michael Pignéguy is an internationally acclaimed composer, arranger, and performer whose musical vision transcends genres, seamlessly moving between jazz, orchestral, and world music. His creative partnerships and performances have taken him across four continents, establishing him as a dynamic musical force on the global stage.
As musical director and principal composer in his collaboration with vocalist Sophie Foster, Michael provides "the force beneath the music" (X-Press Magazine). Their creative partnership has yielded compelling original works including "Make Me Feel," "See You Again," and "Love Your Lies," showcasing Michael's gift for sophisticated arrangements and harmonic textures. Their latest project DOLCE represents a refined artistic statement focusing on vocals, piano, and strings, embodying the elegant musical sensibility that characterizes their work together.
Michael's impressive versatility extends to his leadership of The Awakenings Ensemble, a world music collective that has performed at prestigious venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center (USA). The ensemble's album DUALITY received critical acclaim, with Around the Sound noting that "the energy of the music hangs in the air long after the vibrations have stopped."
His orchestral arrangements have been performed by elite ensembles including the Boston Pops, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia Chamber, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras in the US, as well as all Australian state orchestras. As artistic director of the Jazz Meets Mozart project, Michael demonstrates his unique ability to bridge classical traditions with contemporary expression.
Throughout his career, Michael has collaborated with an impressive roster of international artists including Michel LeGrand (France), Ben Folds (USA), Dominick Farinacci (USA), Ziad Rahbani (Lebanon), Gabriel Hernandez (Cuba), and Kate Ceberano (Australia). He has worked extensively with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Michael continues to produce and co-produce albums under his own name and through various collaborative projects. His rich musical catalog, which spans cultures and genres, reflects his commitment to creating music that resonates across boundaries and speaks to diverse audiences worldwide. All of his music can be found on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Bandcamp.