Michael Kim is a highly regarded trumpet player in Canada, known for his precision, consistency, and versatility across various musical genres. He plays lead trumpet in several prominent ensembles, including the Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra, Jaelem Bhate Jazz Orchestra, Super Trumpets, Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra, Chris Berner Jazz Orchestra, and the Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra. He has also been featured as lead and solo trumpet in Orquesta Goma Dura, James Danderfer’s Hummingbird Brigade, Dal Richards Orchestra, and the Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra, among others. A particular highlight of his career was performing as lead trumpet in Jens Lindemann's Big Band at the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival. As a proud Yamaha Artist, Michael’s flexibility allows him to thrive in diverse musical settings.

​

With a wealth of experience, Michael has also served as guest principal trumpet with the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony 21, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. His leadership abilities are equally evident, as he has led several ensembles since the age of 17, including the Kim-Melgar Jazz Orchestra, Michael Kim Quintet, and Spontaneous Function. Today, he co-leads the Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra with his longtime mentor, Fred Stride, a renowned composer and arranger, and actively leads the West Coast Big Band, and Super Trumpets. As a contractor, he is regularly called upon to assemble and manage horn sections for a diverse range of musical acts, carefully selecting talented musicians to complement the unique sound and style of each band.

​

Michael is deeply immersed in Latin jazz and salsa, having performed with renowned groups such as Adonis Puentes and the Voices of the Cuba Orchestra, Orquesta Tabasko, Orquesta Goma Dura, Orquesta Santa Lucia, Mariachi Tabasko(Canada’s premier mariachi band), and Frankie Hidalgo’s MVP.

​

Since late 2020, Michael has been producing online big band videos, collaborating with fellow musicians Jaelem Bhate, Jared Richardson, and Jim Hopson to offer fresh interpretations of beloved jazz classics.

As a recording artist, Michael has had the privilege of working with some of the finest jazz musicians in the world, including Frank Carlberg, Noah Preminger, Brad Turner, and Steve Kaldestad. He has also collaborated with jazz greats like Steve Wiest, Jens Lindemann, Eric Miyashiro, Jason Palmer, Paul Baron, Chase Sanborn, Alan Matheson, Ian McDougall, and Terry Promane. His career has extended beyond jazz, with Michael performing and recording with internationally acclaimed artists such as Omid, Rana, Mansour, Adonis Puentes, The Tex Mex All Stars, Jim Byrnes, and Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench.