David Bilger

Hailed by The New York Times for his playing of “easy brilliance” and by the Washington Post for his “engaging legato touch,” David Bilger is Professor of Trumpet at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. From 1995 to 2022, he held the position of Principal Trumpet of The Philadelphia Orchestra, having previously held the same position with the Dallas Symphony. In addition to his full-time position at Northwestern University, Mr. Bilger recently completed his 27th and final year on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music. He serves as the co-artistic director of the Center for Advanced Musical Studies at Chosen Vale. Lifetime achievement awards include the 2022 International Trumpet Guild Honorary Award, the Guild’s highest honor, and the 2023 University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts Distinguished Legacy Award.