In 1998, Mr. Bilger performed the Tomasi “Trumpet Concerto” with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, and on tour in North and South America. He has performed recitals in New York, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other major American cities.

In February of 2003 he once again appeared as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra in a series of subscription concerts with Maestro Wolfgang Sawallisch, performing Haydn’s “Trumpet Concerto in Eb.” In October of 2004, he performed Copland’s “Quiet City” with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Mr. Bilger has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, with whom he recorded Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto. Other chamber music appearances include Chamber Music Northwest, the New York Trumpet Ensemble, Saint Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, as well as guest appearances with the Canadian Brass and the Empire Brass. He recently released a recording of new electro-acoustic music for trumpet and synthesizers with composer Meg Bowles.

Mr. Bilger is currently on the music faculties The Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University, and has formerly been affiliated with Swarthmore College, Catholic University, Rice University and the University of North Texas. He has performed master classes at dozens of institutions including the Juilliard School of Music, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Manhattan School of Music, and the Peabody Conservatory. He has also taught at the Pacific Music Festival and the National Orchestral Institute.

Mr. Bilger was educated at the Juilliard School of Music, and the University of Illinois. He and his wife, Cynthia, have three children, Emily, Richard and Abraham.