Michael Zellgert attended University of Wisconsin-Superior where he studied violin performance and conducting, including both choral and orchestral technique with Dr David Scott and Yong-Yan Hu, former Music Director of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Zellgert has appeared as a soloist with the Itasca Symphony Orchestra, Gustavus Adolfus College Orchestra, UW-Superior Chamber Orchestra and the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. He has served as concertmaster of the Itasca Symphony Orchestra, UW-Superior Chamber Orchestra and the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. Michael has performed with the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, Amadeus Chamber Symphony, Saint Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Center Chorale and backup orchestra for the Minnesota Ballet and the Duluth Festival Opera. Throughout his career as a violinist, he has performed with small ensembles including the Dynamic String Quartet, the Highland Quartet, backup violinist for Ray Price and a guest violinist with the College of Saint Benedicts and Saint John's University faculty ensembles "Saint Benedicta Trio", 'Pastiche" and other ensembles performing two world premiere pieces "Star Gatherer" by Stephen Paulus and "In the Seasons of the Spirit" by David Evan Thomas which was recorded by MPR for the radio show Pipe Dreams with Michael Barone.
Michael has served as the music director of the Woodland Community Orchestra and cover conductor of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. His interest in music education has led him to conduct string sectionals for the College of St. Benedict/St John's University Orchestra, clinics for high school orchestras, and he has prepared and adjudicated students for solo/ensembles and camps including Interlochen Camp for the Arts. Michael maintains a private studio, performs with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and directs the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra.