Michael Sollis (born 1985 in Canberra, Australia) is an Australian composer and musician based in Canberra, Australia. Sollis is director of The Griffyn Ensemble and a noted collaborator, working with artists such as Jyll Bradley[1] and scientist Fred Watson,[2] and commissioned by groups such as the Australian Society of Music Educators.[3]
Sollis has published research analyzing the interplay between language and music,[4] and has been influenced by the music and culture of Papua New Guinea.[5] Sollis studied with, and later taught alongside, Jim Cotter and Dr Larry Sitsky at the ANU School of Music[6]
Festival Director Robyn Archer featured Sollis’ work in the Centenary of Canberra.[7] Sollis has also been influenced by his participation in the semi-professional Canberra Raiders Cup, playing First Grade for Rugby League club the Gungahlin Bulls from the age of 16.[8] In 2015 he developed The Dirty Red Digger, combining the stories of young Rugby League players with new music.[9]
In 2016 Sollis was appointed as the inaugural Artistic Director for Musica Viva Australia, Education, Australia's largest music education program.[10]