Michelle French

Event Information

Michelle’s musical journey began early in life. After returning home from the cinema at the tender age of four, she immediately sat down at the piano, and played ‘The Sound of Music’ by ear. Unable to yet read or write and speaking only French, it was a challenge for her gallic maman to find a piano teacher near their Lichfield home.

Many years of lessons, exams, festivals and pianoforte performances followed and at the age of twelve, the electric organ entered the mix. Without the limitations of the written page, Michelle discovered a new found freedom of expression in her organ playing, enabling her to develop and further tune her ear.

The 70’s and 80’s was an era of cabaret and Michelle provided backing for a variety of famous names, in addition to running her own, highly successful function band.

After receiving a LGSM Award for Electronic Organ, Michelle embarked on a series of national concert tours and accepted the post of International Music Examiner on behalf of Trinity/ Guildhall London. A whirlwind of worldwide travel ensued.

In 2012, Michelle showcased her Musical Theatre compositions at the Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove in collaboration with the Bridgerton writer Geetika Tandon Lizardi. A new stage show is currently in development.

In addition to juggling the demands of family life (ageing mum, four children, two grandchildren, two ex husbands and a stream of lovers), Michelle continues to compose, to teach and to develop her one woman comedy show.

In 2022, she was delighted when her composition 'Spectres Waltz' won ‘Composer of the Year’ for Pianist Magazine.

A musical phenomenon and an entertainer to her core, Michelle is not to be missed!