Michael Forte, Principal Clarinet

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 1987

Born: Westchester County New York

Age started learning Clarinet: 6th grade

Degrees: Bachelors of Music (BM) Syracuse University

Michael studied clarinet and took lessons for 5 years PRIOR to getting into college

Symphonic experience Michael brings to SWFSO:
Maracaibo Symphony - Maracaibo, Venezuela Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, The Symphonia, Boca Raton

Famous musicians Michael has worked with: Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, James Taylor, Roberta Flack, Sammy Davis Jr.

Music Festivals Michael has been a part of: Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival (pbcmf.org), founding member and clarinet since 1992. Six CD recordings on Klavier Label under Chamber Music Palm Beach.

Teaching experience Michael has: Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Artist-in Residence Palm Beach Atlantic University

What Michael likes most about playing in SWFSO: “The repertoire and performing with many long time friends.  I joined the orchestra before we had a Union contract. I was happy to see the orchestra become part of the musicians' union.”