MEET MICHAEL
Michael Ferreri is an internationally acclaimed music director, pianist, and cabaret artist whose career exemplifies longevity, innovation, and leadership within the performing arts. For over three decades, his creative practice has united theatre, cabaret, and jazz traditions across North America and Europe, earning him recognition as a visionary artist who continually advances the global conversation around the interpretation and presentation of the Great American Songbook.
Ferreri’s work has reached audiences on five continents, from concert halls and cabaret venues to international festivals. His performance highlights include Cunard’s Queen Anne World Tour, the Prague Theatre Festival (Czech Republic), the United Solo Theatre Festival (New York City), the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—demonstrating the global scope of his artistic influence.
As a founding member of the jazz ensemble Life On Purpose, Ferreri has been a driving force in collaborative innovation, creating performances that blend musical virtuosity with theatrical storytelling. His leadership extends across London’s vibrant cabaret and theatre scenes, where he has appeared at many of the city’s most distinguished venues including Crazy Coq’s, The Pheasantry, St. James Theatre, Leicester Square Theatre, the Apollo (West End), Charing Cross Theatre, Jermyn Street Theatre, and the iconic Café de Paris.
In New York, Ferreri established his professional foundation as a collaborative pianist for NYU/Tisch School of the Arts and as Music Director for New York Theatre Ballet (1988–1996). He later served as Musical Director for The Acting Company, founded by John Houseman, and served as Music Director for a concert version of Into the Woods chaired by Stephen Sondheim—projects that reflect his capacity for artistic leadership and his commitment to the highest standards of musical excellence.
Ferreri’s extensive concert credits include performances at the Blenheim Performing Arts Center, Shandalee Music Festival, The Naples Philharmonic, and the State Theatre for the Arts (Pennsylvania) alongside Michael Feinstein. He has also been invited to perform privately for HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, HRH Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci—an indication of the esteem in which his artistry is held.
Critics recognise Ferreri as an interpreter and innovator
“Ferreri’s understanding of the cabaret form… makes him a singular force in the field.” — Patrick Honoré, Musical Theatre Review
“Deft technicality on the keys, fascinating arrangements, charm and wit.” — Christopher Byrne, Gay City News
“A brilliant piano accompaniment… a very spirited Musical Director which breathed as much life into the show.” — The Scotsman