Michael Wheeler, currently the HSO Principal Viola, began his professional career in the New World Symphony in Miami under the leadership of Michael Tilson Thomas. He was a frequent participant in the chamber music series as well as section leader there. Following his tenure in New World, he returned to New England where he was Assistant Principal Viola in the Portland Symphony as well as Assistant Principal Viola of the Boston Classical Orchestra. Prior to joining the HSO in 1995-96 season he was a member of the San Antonio Symphony.  

In addition to the Wadsworth Atheneum series, Michael has been a recitalist and chamber music collaborator throughout Connecticut including performances at Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, Simsbury and Cheshire Libraries, The American Museum of Art in New Britian and the Hillstead Museum. He is a faculty member of the Hartt School Community Division.  

He studied at Indiana University, Juilliard, and the New England Conservatory and lives in West Hartford with pianist, Ruriko Kagiyama, and their three daughters.