pianist. collaborator. pioneer.
John Wilson stands at the forefront of American piano music, celebrated for his extraordinary artistry and commanding presence on the concert stage. As the pianist for the San Francisco Symphony and Principal Keyboard for the Marin Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Oakland Symphony, Wilson has solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation. His performances are hailed for their technical brilliance, profound musicality, and rare ability to forge a deep connection with audiences.
The 2024-2025 season marks a significant chapter in Wilson’s illustrious career, featuring highly anticipated appearances at Carnegie Hall, the San Francisco Symphony Chamber Series, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Showcasing his versatility, Wilson will perform Beethoven’s transcendent “Choral Fantasy” with the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra and deliver a compelling interpretation of Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Marin Symphony Orchestra.
Wilson’s remarkable journey is studded with standout performances and critical acclaim. He captivated audiences at the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Midsummer Mozart Festival with a masterful interpretation of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. Demonstrating exceptional adaptability, he stepped in with less than 24 hours’ notice to perform Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” at the Sun Valley Music Festival, earning unanimous praise. His accolades—including First Prizes in the 2019 International Respighi Prize Competition and the 2021 American Competition, as well as the 2023 Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music—underscore his exceptional talent and dedication. A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Wilson has premiered works by esteemed composers such as Michael Tilson Thomas, John Adams, Timo Andres, and Steve Reich, significantly contributing to the evolution of modern piano repertoire.
An esteemed chamber musician, Wilson has shared the stage with some of the world’s most renowned artists, including violinist Joshua Bell, cellist Johannes Moser, and vocalists Audra McDonald, Bernadette Peters, and Andrea Bocelli. His collaborative prowess extends to international tours with the San Francisco Symphony, performing under the legendary Michael Tilson Thomas at Carnegie Hall and across Europe. His engagements as Guest Principal Keyboard with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra further attest to his versatility and esteem among peers.
Wilson’s influence extends beyond the concert hall into the realm of recording, where his artistry continues to garner critical acclaim. His 2022 solo debut album on Avie Records featured the world premiere of Michael Tilson Thomas’s Upon Further Reflection, hailed as a significant contribution to contemporary piano literature. The album received widespread acclaim for Wilson’s insightful interpretation and technical mastery. His recording Rachmaninoff • Gershwin: Transcriptions by Earl Wild has been lauded for its virtuosity and musical depth, with the leading track surpassing one million streams—a testament to his broad appeal. Wilson’s performance on the GRAMMY-winning recording of Tilson Thomas’s Meditations on Rilke, which won Best Classical Compendium, further cements his position as a recording artist of distinction. With the release of GRACE: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas on PENTATONE, featuring Upon Further Reflection, Wilson continues to shape the landscape of American piano music through his innovative recordings.
“another of the year’s excellent piano albums … celebrates both [Michael Tilson Thomas] and his influences”
- The Arts Fuse, reviewing the world premiere of Michael Tilson Thomas Piano Suite “Upon Further Reflection”
”Upon Further Reflection”, John’s first solo release, named by The Arts Fuse as “Top 10 Classical Performances and Recordings of 2022”
What People Are Saying
"Pianist John Wilson plays all the repertoire on this recording gorgeously. Most note worthy is his tone, which is almost always rich, warm, and expressive, even in massive chordal statements and brilliant passagework".
— Myron Silberstein, Fanfare Magazine
"The Wild set, with their knowing adaptations of familiar tunes, fit smartly alongside Reflection. And Wilson, whose playing is magnificently secure and flawlessly balanced, gives a reading of the heptalogy that rivals Wild’s own for character; it exceeds it for recorded quality."