Help Support Michael Sponseller’s Recovery

Michael Sponseller is one of the most celebrated American harpsichordists of his generation. With a career spanning prestigious festivals and concert venues around the world, he has been a cornerstone of the early music community. You may have heard him perform at the Boston Early Music Festival or seen him featured in the GBH Music Spectacular this past December.

But just days after his holiday concerts, Michael suffered a Hemorrhagic Medullary Stroke—a life-altering event that has put his career on hold. His world has been turned upside down. While he focuses on recovery, medical expenses continue to mount, and many essential costs are not covered by insurance. Michael now faces 8 to 12 months of lost income and an uncertain road ahead.

Michael and his partner, Thomas, have turned to us—his friends, colleagues, and the greater music community—for support. And when we say “us,” we mean NEMRF, and we mean you.

From Kathy Fay, Executive Director, Boston Early Music Festival:

Michael’s health setback has shocked all of us at the Boston Early Music Festival (BEMF). Without doubt, Michael is not only one of the world’s finest continuo harpsichordists, but a full musical partner of our dreams, serving us for over twenty years in countless concerts, operas, and recordings. His impeccable technique and perfectly consonant artistic taste have been uniquely compatible with BEMF’s style of music-making; moreover, in rehearsals and everywhere around, he is constantly friendly and helpful, a complete gentleman, and a warm, caring, and gentle presence.

Now it is our turn to help him: you, our entire BEMF organization, and countless admirers, colleagues, and members of his extended musical family, all of us touched by Michael’s remarkable talent. His medical bills and upcoming physical therapy expenses will be crushingly beyond insurance support. We need him back—he is simply irreplaceable. Please join us in helping Michael now.

The New England Musicians Resource Fund (NEMRF) is dedicated to providing emergency assistance to professional musicians in need. We have established the Michael Sponseller Fund, and 100% of your donation will go directly to Michael to help cover lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and essential living costs.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in Michael’s life. And as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation is fully tax-deductible.

Please join us in supporting Michael during this challenging time. Donate today and help us give back to an artist who has given so much to the music world.

From Thomas, Michael’s partner and fellow musician:

After a month in the hospital, Michael is now home and continuing a daunting uphill physical and emotional battle, working on daily physical, occupational, speech, and psycho therapies. While contributing to his campaign will help keep his head above water financially, seeing support from his community will also encourage Michael through the moments of uncertainty and doubt. He will make the most of you believing in him.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.