Michael Kemp

Michael Kemp

Principal

Michael Kemp, a native of Rochester, New York, was appointed Principal Timpanist of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 2015. Prior to this, he served as the Principal Timpanist of the Erie Philharmonic in Erie, PA.

In demand as a Guest Principal Timpanist, Michael has appeared with many orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, and the West Virginia Symphony. He has also performed as a percussionist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and can be heard performing on the NAXOS label.

Michael received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Percussion Performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he studied with Edward Stephan, Chris Allen, Andrew Reamer, and Jeremy Branson of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Mr. Kemp attended Cleveland State University where he studied with Tom Freer of the Cleveland Orchestra. While growing up in Rochester, NY, Michael had the opportunity to study with Ruth Cahn, John Beck, and Charles Ross.

Michael previously served as the Principal Timpanist of the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, CO and has attended the Aspen Music Festival, Brevard Music Center Institute, and the Chautauqua Music Festival.

Michael currently resides in the beautiful Wolseley neighborhood of Winnipeg with his wife Anna who is a bassist and founder of the composer + coffee project. In his free time, Michael plays hockey and is an enthusiastic supporter of Buffalo sports teams.

Mr. Kemp is a proud endorser of Freer Percussion products and Remo drumheads.