Biography

Micah Wilkinson has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral musician, soloist, chamber artist, and teacher. He was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra by Music Director Manfred Honeck in September 2017. Wilkinson came to the Pittsburgh Symphony from the San Diego Symphony, where he served as Principal Trumpet for three years. He previously held positions with the Houston Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Oregon Symphony, and the Tucson Symphony. He recently performed in subscription programs as Guest Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and the Seoul Philharmonic. In the summers, he performs as Principal Trumpet of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

As a featured soloist, he has been noted for his “virtue of taming the brilliance he employs so well in many massive orchestrations to that gentle, liquid line.” In the 2020-2021 season, he made his Pittsburgh Symphony concerto debut, performing Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, conducted by Manfred Honeck. As a chamber musician, he has been recognized for his “complete confidence and refreshing catalogue of contrasting colors” and has been frequently featured on NPR’s Performance Today. Professional summer festival appearances have included the Aspen Music Festival, Chautauqua Institution, Sun Valley Festival, Cabrillo Festival, Brevard Music Center, Round Top Institute, Bellingham Festival of Music, and Astoria Music Festival.

As an educator, he strives to help the next generation of brass players to find their own unique voices as musical artists. He is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after instructors for trumpet in the United States and enjoys working privately with students at his home studio in Pittsburgh and online through virtual platforms. He is currently on the faculty at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and at the Chautauqua Institution School of Music. He has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival, Eastman Summer Music Institute, Round Top Festival Hill Institute, and the Brevard Music Center. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Houston and Portland State University, and has presented master classes and clinics for colleges and universities all over the United States, as well as Europe and Asia.

Wilkinson grew up in Norcross, Georgia. A proud graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, he pursued additional studies at Arizona State University and the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany. His primary teachers include Martin Hodel, David Hickman, Larry Black, and Anthony Plog. He lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife Stefani, a professional oboist; their beautiful daughters Eleanor and Amelia; and their goofy Basset Hound Barber.

ORCHESTRAS

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet, 2017 — present

New York Philharmonic, Guest Principal Trumpet, 2020

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Guest Principal Trumpet, 2019

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Guest Principal Trumpet, 2019 & 2023

San Diego Symphony, Principal Trumpet, 2014 — 2017

Houston Symphony Orchestra, Acting 2nd Trumpet, 2013 — 2014

San Francisco Symphony, Acting 2nd Trumpet, 2011 — 2012

Oregon Symphony Orchestra, 3rd/ Utility Trumpet, 2008 — 2013

Tucson Symphony Orchestra, 3rd Trumpet, 2007 — 2008

RECENT FESTIVALS

Chautauqua Institution School of Music