Draft:Michael Cooke

Michael Cooke (born 1970) is a San Francisco-based composer of Contemporary classical and Modern Jazz. He is a multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and founding member of the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.

Biography
Michael began his professional orchestral journey in 1991, gracing numerous symphony stages across North Texas. His musical prowess transcended borders, leading him to perform on stages in Europe, Mexico, and throughout the United States. Since 1994, Cimarron Music Press has been a platform for publishing many of his compositions, as well has his own publishing house Cooke'n'Music reflecting his eclectic musical influences and versatile skills.

Upon relocating to the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Michael persisted in pioneering new avenues in both improvised and composed music. His compositions mirror a rich tapestry of multicultural experiences, seamlessly blending diverse styles and techniques. In 1999, he took the initiative to establish Black Hat Records, a jazz label that serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to musical exploration.

Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra., where he continues to shape the music scene with his innovative contributions.

As a leader

 * indefinite suspension of the possible (2006) Cooke Quintet.
 * the is (2004). CKW Trio.
 * Statements (2002). Solo.
 * Searching (1999). Cooke Quartet.
 * Punk, Fool, Romantic (1995). Three Finger Brown.

As a sideman

 * The Quest for Prester John, Vol. 1 (2018)ScienceNV
 * The Long Walk (2013). The Bill Horvitz Expanded Band.
 * Music for Humans (2008) San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra under Mark Alburger.
 * Two Forms of Multitudes: Conducted Improvisations (2002). Moe! Staiano's Moe!Kestra!.

Orchestra

 * Through the Looking-Glass with Mark dedicated to Mark Alburger (2024). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * 10 Circles (2022). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * Symphony No.4 "Deconstructing Beethoven" (2019-) Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * Fantasy in D (2016). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * for n in reversed (range (1,4)): play(n) pause(n) (2015). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * Triangles (2014). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * Incomplete Thoughts: A Passacaglia (2013). Premiered by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra.
 * Music for Humans (2006) Premiered by the by San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra and Schola Cantorum.

Chamber

 * No. 95 for Bassoon (2022).
 * Zelenskyy says, "Slava Ukraine" for Tenor Sax (2022)
 * Sunset Shapes for Soprano Sax, Bass Clarinet, Chinese Meditation Chimes (2021).
 * Iberian Impressions for Flute (2011)