Michael Tree, violist, was born in Newark, New Jersey. His principal violin studies were with Efrem Zimbalist at the Curtis Institute of Music. Subsequent to his Carnegie Hall recital debut, Mr Tree has appeared as violin and viola soloist with major orchestras, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. As a founding member of the Marlboro Trio and Guarneri String Quartet, he has given concerts throughout the world.

In April 1998 Sony Classical will release the Schmidt Quintet and Korngold Suite (SK48253) in which he appears with Leon Fleisher, Joel Smirnoff, Joseph Silverstein and Yo-Yo Ma.

Mr Tree serves on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, University of Maryland and Rutgers. He plays a Domenicus Busan viola from Venice, Italy, 1750.