Between 1912 and 1919, Michelet studied cello and composition in Leipzig and Kiev. Graduated as a professor of music and taught at the Kiev and Vienna Conservatories, before moving to Paris in 1924. Composed film music in France from 1929. Escaped Nazi persecution in 1942 and settled in Los Angeles. Under contract at United Artists, 1944-1950. From the mid-1950's, scored a number of European films and international co-productions.