The New York Times called him "one of America's important pianists," and his concerts were described as "an overwhelming experience" (Washington Post) presenting "masterful artistry" (Baltimore Sun).
[citation needed] During that period, George Crumb collaborated with Burge while writing Makrokosmos, a series of four volumes of pieces for piano.
Burge also worked with composers such as Ernst Krenek, Luciano Berio, and Karlheinz Stockhausen, and singers including Cathy Berberian and Bethany Beardslee.
His ballet scores became increasingly well known outside the San Diego area, with over thirty performances in the United States and abroad.
He accepted visiting professorships not only at many universities and conservatories in the United States but also in Denmark, Turkey, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Sweden, and Korea.