Michael Berec joined the YCE as Music Director in the fall of 2019. Michael was familiar to YCE audiences as a guest conductor during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons. We continue to look forward to many wonderful concerts under his baton.
“I’m very honoured to be chosen as the Music Director of the York Chamber Ensemble. My previous visits with the orchestra were always such a pleasure. Such a friendly and welcoming group of musicians who are committed to the highest standards of art. I look forward to working with the group to bring inspiring and exciting musical experiences to York region.” M.Berec
Award-winning Canadian conductor, composer, and multi instrumentalist, Michael Berec has devoted his life to creating beautiful music. Michael serves as the Music Director of the York Chamber Ensemble and the Associate Conductor of the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, where he takes pride in building audiences and providing transcendent musical experiences. Whether for the stage or screen, Michael is recognized for his deep understanding of the musical phrase, and sensitivity to pitch and rhythm. He is an in-demand conductor and composer for various media, and is currently conducting and composing the score for the sixth season of the award winning Hallmark series “Good Witch.” Michael has conducted orchestras around the world, and has had the opportunity to be a part of live broadcasts such as live-to-air operas from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra. Michael has been featured on Canada’s National Classical radio station 96.3 and has had the pleasure to perform and work with great artists such as the late violinist Jacques Israelievitch, pianist André Laplante, Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, the Canadian Tenors, and the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
Michael has studied with Maestro Jorma Panula (Sibelius Academy), Maestro Markand Thakar (Peobody Institute), Maestro Donato Renzetti (Accademia Musicale Pescarese, Italy) and composer Peter Paul Koprowski (student of Nadia Boulanger). He has conducted orchestras throughout North America and Europe, including such prestigious locations as the Royal Palace in San Lorenzo De El Escorial, Spain. Michael is a member of SOCAN, the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Toronto Musicians’ Association.
York Chamber ensemble Inc. 