Michael Schønwandt (born 10 September 1953 in Frederiksberg) is a Danish conductor. In Denmark, he studied piano, theory, and composition, and later continued musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. From 2015 Schønwandt is principal conductor of the Opéra Orchestre National de Montpellier in France. Schønwandt's recordings include the operas, symphonies and concerti of Carl Nielsen. In addition, he has made several opera recordings, such as Salome and The Handmaid’s Tale.