As the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) gears up for its season opener on Thursday night, it’s an opportune moment to review recent personnel changes and appointments since June, some of which were not previously announced.
Jay Friedman, the CSO’s principal trombone since 1965, will retire in September 2025. Auditions for the principal trombone position are scheduled for this November.
Principal trumpet Esteban Batallán has departed from the CSO to join the Philadelphia Orchestra in the same role, effective this month. Although he remains on the CSO roster officially and is on a one-year leave, he is expected to perform in some Chicago concerts this season.
Oboist Lora Schaefer has been appointed assistant principal oboe.
Miles Maner, previously the contrabassoonist, has transitioned to section bassoonist.
Alexander Horton, a double bass player, has been appointed assistant principal bass.
Teng Li, formerly the principal violist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has been named CSO principal viola.
Teng Li was the final hire made by former Music Director Riccardo Muti. Moving forward, Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä will oversee future orchestra appointments and personnel decisions, in collaboration with the musician hiring committees.
