Michael Sanderling was born in Berlin. After his studies he enjoyed a successful international career as a cellist, and for many years he regularly performed as a soloist with first-class orchestras in Europe and the USA. In 2001 he made his debut as a conductor with the Berlin Chamber Orchestra. Since then he has become a highly sought-after conductor, praised by orchestras and the press in Germany and beyond.

Michael Sanderling is the Principal Conductor of the Berlin Chamber Orchestra and Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie. Since 2006–2007 he has been the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Kammerakademie Potsdam. He is also a regular guest conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic, Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin, MDR Symphony Orchestra Leipzig, German Radio Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Weimar, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra and many other top-flight orchestras.

Michael Sanderling has recorded for numerous record companies, including Sony, Capriccio, Dabringhaus & Grimm, Berlin Classics, Discover International, Genuin, JVC and Naxos.