Esteban Batallán Resumes as Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Gift Links)
For the 2024-2025 concert season, the orchestral brass world has been closely following the musical travels of Esteban Batallán.
In August 2024, the Philadelphia Inquirer announced (gift link) Esteban Batallán as the new Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Termed an ‘historic appointment’ by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this highly publicized tenure with Philadelphia was short-lived (gift link). Now, with the 24-25 season nearing its spring end, Batallán has decided to return full-time to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season.
Batallán’s one-year leave of absence from Chicago (gift link) during the 24-25 season left many wondering about the situation in the Windy City, given the last time this occurred. Now, there is no more wonder.
His decision to return full-time to the hallowed space of Orchestra Hall was based on both ‘professional and personal’ reasons, according to the Chicago Tribune (gift link). With Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä leading more concerts throughout the CSO’s upcoming season (his Music Director role officially begins September 2027), plus final auditions for the Principal Trombone position in April 2025, the famed ‘Chicago Sound’ is strengthening its last row for years to come.
For the remainder of the season, Battalán is slated to play several concerts in Chicago, including Mahler’s Third Symphony with Mäkelä (his second Mahler 3 of the 24-25 season) and his CSO solo debut in June, featuring the music of Haydn and Telemann.
Photo Credits: Todd Rosenberg Photography
