“I’m going to give some of the credit for that balance [in Mahler’s Symphony No. 7] to new principal trumpet Micah Wilkinson. His playing was hot. I understand that one player does not a performance make but a kick-ass trumpeter helps — especially in the finale movement.”

—San Diego Reader

“If the trumpet part [to Mahler’s Symphony No. 5] can be played better than by the PSO’s principal, Micah Wilkinson, I would like to hear it.”

—The New Criterion

“Micah Wilkinson’s opening trumpet solo was superb, with an ideal Mahlerian mix of determination and anxiety.... The entire brass section was scintillating.”

—New York Classical Review

“Wilkinson is a wizard, the peer in technical skill and beautiful sound of the greatest trumpet virtuosos of the past (and I do not hesitate to include the Chicago Symphony’s legendary Adolph Herseth in that group). Wilkinson possesses the sensibility that, above the notes and the sound, it must have this: a suavely executed swing that summoned an entire sleeping city in a few phrases.”

—Hartford Courant

“...it sounded like a noisy Latin street festival, especially with its joyous, muscular trumpet solos, ably recounted by San Diego Symphony Principal Trumpet Micah Wilkinson.”

—San Diego Story

“...the brass (perhaps buoyed by the arrival of new Principal Trumpet Micah Wilkinson), sounding as if new CEO, Martha Gilmer, had brought the Chicago Symphony’s fabled brass section with her.”

-Chicago Tribune

“…the Mahler symphony showcased superb work from every section: the incantatory trumpet solo of the opening...”

—New York Times

“…the success of this unusual concert can be attributed to shrewd programming and Wilkinson’s ability to modulate his brilliant instrument to produce a wide spectrum of colors and dynamic shadings.”

—San Diego Story

“The orchestra, of course, produced the requisite sonic spectacle. (Micah Wilkinson, principal trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony was in the first chair Friday night.)”

—Chicago Classical Review

“The “Lift Every Voice” concert Saturday night with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts featured… a delicious Coplandesque tribute with… wonderful trumpet from Principal Micah Wilkinson.”

-LeDor Publishing

“Micah Wilkinson’s trumpet solos were secure in tone and dramatically played.”

-New York Daily News

“I need to point out that the trumpets sounded beautiful. The trumpet tends to be an instrument of destruction. They're the tip of the spear, the bloody edge of the orchestral knife. In this instance the section blunted the edge of the sound creating a sonority that was regal. Instead of shining forth, the tone glowed. The power of this subtle elegance would define the evening.”

—San Diego Reader

“First at bat was San Diego Symphony principal trumpet Micah Wilkinson, well known to regular concert-goers as a home-run king in symphonic works ranging from Ives to Beethoven… Playing a gleaming, beautifully made cornet, strongly supported by pianist Tina Chong, Wilkinson summoned, out of metal tubing and controlled air, a little piece of French soul in extraordinarily mellow sound.”

—San Diego Union Tribune

“Guest principal trumpet Micah Wilkinson, who is principal trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, was featured in the Rossini Overture and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella…”

—Splash Magazines

“Wilkinson delivered his Scarlatti Variations for trumpet and piano, elegantly structured and replete with technical challenge, with complete confidence and a refreshing catalogue of contrasting colors that prevented the work from sounding like a test piece for instrumental competitions, a genre few French composers have been able to transcend.”

—San Diego Story

“Micah Wilkinson (performed) a beautiful recital... which showcased Wilkinson’s technical finesse...ably highlighting multiple facets of his outstanding playing.”

—International Trumpet Guild Journal

“Wilkinson’s virtue was taming the brilliance he employs so well in many massive orchestrations to that gentle, liquid line Copland required. His suave solos recalled many a sweet cornet solo, but with that subtle edge of trumpet verve.”

—San Diego Story

“…principal trumpet Micah Wilkinson’s strident take on the final statement of the famous “fate” theme that permeates all four movements was glorious and well-balanced.”

—Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Principal Trumpet Micah Wilkinson brought a tear to my eye with his solo. The tone ‘sang’ almost as if he were playing a stringed instrument.”

—San Diego Reader