Recognized for intense, commanding performances delivered with virtuosity and technical assurance, Italian-American violinist Michael Tropepe has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician throughout the United States.
Michael began playing the violin at the age of five and has appeared as soloist with the Giovanni Chamber Orchestra, Mainly Mozart Festival, Symphony of the Americas, and Boca Symphony. His performances have taken him to venues including Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, the Kravis Center, and Carnegie Hall. At the age of twelve, he made his debut at the Kravis Center with the Boca Symphony.
Michael was awarded first prize by the National Federation of Music Clubs, receiving the Irene Muir Memorial Award for Most Promising Musician. The following year, he became the youngest first-prize winner of the Harid Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition. In 2025, Michael was the sole Professional Level violin prizewinner of the New York International Music Competition. His scholarships and fellowships include the Henry & Lucy Moses Fellowship, Stephen & Denise Adams Scholarship, and Alfonso Cavallero Scholarship.
He has worked with distinguished musicians including Andrés Cárdenes, Joseph Silverstein, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Arnold Eidus, and Ruggiero Ricci. His mentors include Ann Setzer of The Juilliard School and Maria Radicheva of Manhattan School of Music.
Described by Ruggiero Ricci as possessing a “beautiful tone,” “impeccable intonation,” and “unique style,” Michael received his Master of Music degree from Yale University in 2018 on a full-tuition award and fellowship. He also held a fellowship at the Meadowmount School of Music, where he served as an assistant teacher to Ann Setzer.
In 2026, Michael was appointed Associate Concertmaster of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Music Director of Strings of New York, where he leads a private violin program and oversees its artistic and educational direction. He is based in New York City, where he maintains an active performing career and private violin studio.