Michael was awarded first prize for his composition Chorale and Groove for the renowned Calefax Reed Quintet. The jury, consisting of all five musicians of Calefax and the Dutch composer Michel van der Aa as external chairman, commented: The work changes sonically and melodically at all the right moments. Rhythmic shifts give the piece continuous momentum and a feeling of excitement and urgency. It's the perfect opening for a concert where anything is possible.
Michael was selected as the winner of the 2023 Clements Prize for Composers at Conway Hall, with his piano trio I think about you often receiving its premiere and subsequent performance by the Fidelio Trio.