Michael Collins is among the most prominent clarinetists of his generation. He has appeared in concert as principal clarinetist with the Philharmonia Orchestra and London Sinfonietta, as a member of the Nash Ensemble, and as a freelance soloist and chamber player. His repertory is broad, taking in much British music, including works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Britten. He has also performed and recorded large chunks from the output of disparate European composers like Mozart, Brahms, and Bartók. In addition, Collins has been acclaimed for his role in expanding the clarinet repertory by premiering and commissioning important works by contemporary composers. He has also increasingly turned to conducting. In 2021, Collins issued La Clarinette Parisienne with pianist Noriko Ogawa.