Woodwind Instrumentalist Michael Rex Bacarra studied Clarinet Performance at the

University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music where he became the principal clarinetist of

the UST Symphony Orchestra from 1999 to 2002. He joined the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

in 2001 and kept the position of principal clarinetist until 2003. Michael became the conductor

of the Muntinlupa City Band from 2004 to 2011. During this time he attended masterclasses by

esteemed international conductors from the USA, Germany, Chile, France, China, Korea and

the Philippines. He was also a member of the clarinet and bass clarinet section of the San

Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra from 2003 until its cessation in 2007.

At present, Michael plays saxophone with the Big Idea Band - A Dubai based cover band

playing exclusively for corporate events.. Also, Michael currently conducts and plays as the

lead alto saxophone (tripler) in the Saadiyat Big Band, clarinet with the Aubarra Duo, NSO

Symphony Orchestra, and flute with the Abu Dhabi Flute Society.

The Aubarra Duo is a UAE-based clarinet duo, where Michael and his fellow clarinetist,

Jonathan Aubrey actively perform at notable institutions in the country such as Dubai Men's

College, the Sharjah World Music Festival, and the University of Sharjah, to name a few. In

August 2016, they participated and performed in the 6o European Clarinet Festival in

Camerino, Italy (2016) and the Clarinetfest in Oostende, Belgium (2018) sponsored by the

International Clarinet Association. The duo aims to expand the current duet literature through

original compositions, arrangements and transcriptions for two clarinets in many different

styles and diversities for future generations to enjoy.

Michael has been playing with the NSO Symphony Orchestra since 2012, where he played in

numerous concerts in the UAE. This also includes Andrea Bocelli’s performance in Winter at

Tantora, Saudi Arabia.

Michael is also the former woodwinds and drums Instructor for Cranleigh School, former

flute and clarinet instructor for the UAE University Orchestra in Al Ain and the Mawhiba Youth

Orchestra - a project for the local youth and residents of the UAE for cultural preservation and

enrichment. The Orchestra has recently performed in DCT educational events in Abu Dhabi.