CSO Welcomes Esteban Batallán to the orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) welcomed Esteban Batallán as the new principal trumpet for the orchestra on Sept 26, 2019. Announced by the CSO Zell Musical Direction Riccardo Muti, Batallán officially steps into his role on Sept. 30, pending a few contract details and finalization. 

After completing a rigorous audition process as well as a trial period with the CSO and Muti for the month of September, Batallán will hold The Adolph Herseth Principal Trumpet Chair, which was endowed by an anonymous benefactor. 

No stranger to the role, Batallán has served as the principal trumpet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic for the 2018-2019 season. Additionally, he has long-standing experience as the principal trumpet for the Orchestra of the City of Granada from 2002-2018, a 16-year stint. 

Batallán, a native of Barro, Spain, began his musical career at the young age of seven, rapidly thriving in his musical training and growth as he attended schools such as the Conservatory of Music in Pontevedra, the Conservatory of Music of Vigo with Javier Viceiro, and Galicia’s School of Music Studies, where he participated in masterclasses with Javier Simó. 

After winning several prestigious awards and competitions beginning in 2001, Batallán rose to internal acclaim, fame, and recognition for his renowned talent. Among his accolades and championships include the much sought after Jeunesses Musicales of Spain Competition, the Yamaha International Competition (2003), the Maurice Andre International Trumpet Competition, and more. 

Included among his long list of accomplishments, accolades, awards, and more, Batallán is a dedicated, inspiring teacher. He’s served on the faculty of the Young Academy of the Orchestra of the City of Granada for the past 16 years and leads master classes for groups from various associations, including the Youth Orchestra of Andalusia, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the National Youth Orchestra of Spain, and Roosevelt University. 

The CSO welcomes Batallán to their association with open arms—especially because this isn’t the first time Batallán has partnered with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 

In fact, Batallán previously appeared with the CSO as a guest principal trumpet on several different occasions. First under Riccardo Muti in June 2018 during a subscription concert series that included performances of Rossini’s Stabat mater. Then, Batallán returned to the CSO in November 2018 to perform with Muti, again, in Verdi’s Requiem subscription concerts. Batallán also appeared with CSO in concerts in Toyko during the CSO Asia tour of 2019. Most recently Batallán partnered with CSO during its 2019 Florida tour and the June 2019 CSO performance of Verdi’s Aida. Batallán went on to win the audition for principal trumpet in the same month.