Michael Sundell began his musical studies at the age of 12 on clarinet, before his teacher convinced him to try the bassoon. Two years later, he knew that he wanted to become an orchestral player. It was also one of Michael’s dreams to play with the OSM, whose recordings he would listen to again and again. His studies led him to the classes of William Winstead, Ben Kamins, Steve Basson, Dennis Michel and Norman Herzberg. His first performance with the OSM was in 2011, in Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9 at the then brand-new Maison symphonique. Michael Sundell looks back affectionately on his experience playing Ravel’s La valse under the baton of Charles Dutoit in 2016, an experience that changed his perception of the piece forever.