Born in Ulm, Germany in 1957, Michael Riessler studied clarinet and received music degrees at the academies for music in Cologne and Hanover, Germany (graduated 1975). His first professional experience was with the ensemble Musique Vivant in Paris. Riessler's playing credits span the breadth of contemporary music. He has worked with such diverse musicians as Steve Reich, John Cage, Carla Bley, Vinko Globokar, Michael Gibbs, Ensemble Modern, Arditte Quartet, Auryn Quartett, David Byrne, Sarah Vaughan, and Rabih Abou-Khalil; his orchestral credits include the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln and the NDR Sinfonieorchester.

(photo: Thomas Radlwimmer)