Michael’s solo piano recitals have been praised by audiences and critics. His presentations focus heavily on his original compositions, while drawing on the tradition of jazz and improvised music and incorporating creative arrangements of classical pieces and folk music. In addition to his wide selection of original compositions, Malis draws on pieces from composers such as Sun Ra, Thelonious Monk, Alexander Scriabin, Geri Allen, and Andrew Hill, to sculpt dynamic and engaging programs.

Malis’s recent solo performances have been diverse affairs, drawing on the full breadth of musical traditions that informs his pianistic approach. Recent compositions, such as his anthemic Hold Tightly Your Vision of How Things Can Be, have pushed the limits of pianistic technique, utilizing various extended techniques inside the piano to create unexpected sonic palates. Other works, such as his Imperfect Intervals suite, are spacious and lush worlds that he invites the audience into. And his deftness as an improviser keeps the program fresh every night.

Still, he stays conversant with his musical ancestors, often creating fresh arrangements of masterworks from a variety of musical traditions.

Past Performances

Detroit Institute of Arts
August 2022

Michigan Jazz Festival
July 2022

AEPEX Contemporary Music Festival
(Ypsilanti MI) June 2022

Trinosophes
(Detroit, MI) March 2022

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
(Ann Arbor MI) March 2022

Edgefest, Kerrytown Concert House
(Ann Arbor MI) October 2021

Saugatuck Center for the Arts
(Saugatuck MI) February 2021

The Baroque Room
(St. Paul, MN) January 2018

Scholes Street Studio
(Brooklyn, NY) February 2017