Mikhail Johnson is one of Jamaica's promising young pianist. Winner of the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition for Young Musicians Senior Division in 2009 and composer of piano and choral music, he has established a reputation in piano performance and artistic distinction.
Born and raised in Montego Bay, St. James, Mikhail started official piano lessons in the second grade. At age 13 he attended Herbert Morrison Technical High School and performed on the alto saxophone and flute with the school band.
After high school, he enrolled at Northern Caribbean University to read for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in music. He studied classical piano with Kimberly Cann and Marilyn Anderson, and formed The George Johnson Duo with his fellow music colleague, Joel George in October 2009, the Duo staged their debut concert at the Mandeville Baptist Church to critical acclaim.
Active as a composer, Mikhail has received commissions from the Northern Caribbean University Music Department and other organizations. In 2008, his patriotic anthem Anthem of Independence for mixed choir and orchestra received its world-premiere performance by the NCU Chamber Choir in Kingston, Jamaica. He is currently composing The Oratorio of the Psalms written for mixed choir, soloists and orchestra in which the entire 150 divisions of the Psalms will be put to music. The completed chorus Psalm 23, received its world-premiere performance in June 2010 by the Jamaica Choral Scholars’ Festival Choir. He has also composed pieces for chamber and orchestral forces.
Mikhail has served as a guest accompanist and pianist for several religious and educational establishments. He appeared as a guest artist during the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra’s Concert Series in June 2009, and in November that same year he was the winner of the Piano Category of the Jamaica Music Teachers' Association (JMTA) Music Competition held in Kingston.
Currently he is preparing to enter the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition and is planning his New York debut recital at Carnegie Hall in May 2013.
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