Michael P. Atkinson

Michael P. Atkinson is a hornist, composer/arranger, and conductor based in NYC.  In addition to duties as hornist of The Knights, he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, International Contemporary Ensemble, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, on numerous Broadway shows, and elsewhere in the NYC music scene.  Michael has appeared as guest conductor with New York City Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic, The Knights, and as leader of  recording sessions in NYC studios. 

Michael has written numerous arrangements and orchestrations for The Knights and a wide spectrum of artists and ensembles around the world, including the music of Sufjan Stevens for New York City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet; the music of Jonathan Jeremiah, Wende Snijders, and The Tallest Man On Earth for Amsterdam Sinfonietta; the music of Mikael Karlsson for Operaballet Vlaanderen, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Ballet, and the Prototype Festival.  Currently, Michael is writing original music in collaboration with Mikael Karlsson for a new work commissioned by the Royal Scottish Ballet featuring choreography and filmmaking by Morgann Runacre-Temple and Jessica Wright, to be premiered in 2022.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michael holds a B.M. and M.M. from The Juilliard School.