Michael Graubart was born in Vienna in 1930 and came to England as a refugee in 1938. He graduated in physics at Manchester University in 1952 and then studied composition with Matyas Seiber and flute with Geoffrey Gilbert till about 1956.

From 1966 he taught and conducted at Morley College, and from 1969 to 1991 he was Director of Music there (in succession to such musicians as Holst and Tippett). He was Musical Director of Focus Opera Group, and has taught at the London centre of Syracuse University.

In addition to composing, he has edited early music and has written numerous articles and reviews.

From 1991 to 1996 he was a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Northern College of Music (where he also directed Akanthos, the college’s contemporary-music ensemble). He has taught extramural classes at the University of Manchester. He was Musical Director of the Jubilate Choir of Stockport for two years and has conducted the Hepton Singers of Heptonstall. He gives pre-performance talks for Glyndebourne Festival and Touring Opera.