Thomas Wilson
Trumpet
Music
Thomas Wilson is currently Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, Associate Conductor of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Cover Conductor for the New-York based pops show Symphonic Night at the Oscars, serves on the music faculties at Colorado College and the Colorado Springs Conservatory, and maintains an active guest conducting schedule. Mr. Wilson previously conducted for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony program and founded the Young Concert Artists of Colorado Springs.
Mr. Wilson has been called "someone to watch" and "a very exciting conductor" by Michael Tilson Thomas, one of the foremost conductors of our time.
Thomas began studying piano at the age of four. Later instrumental studies included trumpet, percussion, string bass and voice, before concentrating his efforts on trumpet, conducting and composition. Thomas graduated summa cum laude from the University of Northern Colorado, receiving the School of Music's highest honor-the Departmental Scholar Award.
A primary focus of Mr. Wilson's conducting career has been collaborations between performing arts organizations, which he sees as essential to artistic growth and a unified arts community. Thomas has led the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs in collaborative performances with the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Young Concert Artists, Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, Pikes Peak Ringers, The United States Army Field Band, Ballet Society of Colorado Springs, Peak Ballet Theatre, Fusion Pointe Dance Company, Ormao Dance Company, and the Colorado Springs Conservatory, just to name a few. Thomas frequently conducts new works by local composers, including the world premier of Mark Arnest's Pike's Dream, about the life and times of Zebulon Pike. Thomas' recent recording projects include the world premier recording of Kevin McChesney's Ring of Fire and a live, 2-CD release of the Flying W Wranglers with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.
Winner of international recognition as a trumpeter, Mr. Wilson has extensive experience performing, touring, and recording with orchestras, ensembles, and artists. He is one of only three trumpeters ever selected as a finalist for both the International Trumpet Guild Orchestral and Solo Performance Competitions in the same year. Thomas' compositions and arrangements have been performed widely in the United States, Europe and Japan.
In his spare time, Thomas enjoys working on his 1890 Victorian home, reading philosophy and history, and spending time with his family, including his two peculiar puppies, Gustav and Stanzi.
