Michael Pisani joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2004, initially as Second Oboe and then in 2012 was appointed Principal Cor Anglais. Michael grew up in Melbourne, first learning piano before starting the oboe at age 12. After studying at the Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne University) he held the position of Associate Principal Oboe in Orchestra Victoria, and then the same position in the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.
On occasion Michael also plays Principal Oboe with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and has been guest principal with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic and Hong Kong Philharmonic. He has appeared as oboe soloist with various orchestras in Melbourne, performing Strauss and Mozart concertos, and in 2021 premiered a new work for solo cor anglais with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra titled The Rest is Silence by Adelaide-based composer Anne Cawrse.
