Biography
Michael Choi (Choi Won-young) is a Korean-American composer with a diverse portfolio spanning film, animation, games, and new media. His expertise includes composition, arrangement, orchestration, conducting, recording, mixing, and audio design. Michael holds a Master's degree in Film, Television, and Video Game Music from Berklee College of Music's Valencia campus and studied Fine Arts and Film at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Michael began his career as an intern under Hollywood composer Joseph Trapanese, gaining valuable experience in Hollywood studio operations. He refined his skills through prestigious workshops such as the Hollywood Music Workshop and the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI). Under the mentorship of industry veterans like Conrad Pope, Angel Velez, William Ross, Jorge Mester, Emilie Bernstein, Booker White, and Dimitrie Leivici, Michael developed a unique artistic style.
His notable works include over 20 film credits, such as 'Fallen', 'A.I. Her', 'The Legend of Anuk: The Hero, the Fairy, and the Evil Dragon', KAFA's 'Dolphin', and 'Boy in the Pool'. Michael has collaborated with artists like violinist Danny Koo, singers Eunkyo and Ha Dong-yeon, pianist Min Si-hoo, and YouTube pianist Nahre Sol. He arranged music for Spain's ABBA concert 'Winner Takes it All' and Avicii's 'Wake Me Up', and worked as assistant composer and traditional Korean instrument supervisor for the game 'Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons', under lead composer Maclaine Diemer. In 2023, he composed Korean instrument cues for PBS's 'Sesame Street'.
Additionally, Michael has composed five mini-albums and the theme song for the NAVER Webtoon 'Barkhan' (also known as 'Brother Tiger'). He organized and directed the concerts 'Never Forgotten 2023: 70th Korean War Armistice Anniversary Concert' and 'Never Forgotten 2024: War and Peace'. Michael has led music planning projects in Korea, including the 'Hollywood in Korea' film music workshops and seminars. His collaborations include working with YouTube pianist Nahre Sol on 'Candlelight Korea' and composing for Artisee's 'Over the Classic 2024' concert. With over 50 awards and nominations from programs such as the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, Michael has established a distinguished reputation in the industry.
As the founder and music director of Sorina Studio, Michael provides comprehensive music and sound production services for the media entertainment industry, while spearheading music planning initiatives through concerts and workshops.
