Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, the principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), is taking a one-year leave of absence after securing the same role at the Berlin Philharmonic.
Höskuldsson, originally appointed by then-music director Riccardo Muti in 2015, began performing with the CSO in 2016. His departure was officially confirmed by the orchestra on Thursday.
“Stefán has requested a leave of absence so that he can play with the Berlin Philharmonic next season,” stated CSOA President Jeff Alexander in an email to the Chicago Tribune.
Born in Iceland, Höskuldsson previously served as the principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra before joining the CSO. During his tenure, he performed as a soloist with the orchestra three times, most recently in last year’s premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No. 2. He was also a frequent contributor to the MusicNOW series. Former Tribune critic Howard Reich commended his solo debut, highlighting his “fastidious melodic ornaments, restrained vibrato, and crystal-clear articulation.”
Principal musicians play key leadership roles in orchestras, leading their sections, performing major solos, and receiving top compensation. Höskuldsson had a significant solo feature in last season’s Flute Concerto No. 2.
Despite his departure, the CSO confirmed that Höskuldsson will retain his position while undergoing a trial year in Berlin. Occasionally, musicians return to their original orchestras after such absences—CSO principal trumpet Esteban Batallán, for instance, will resume his role this fall after spending a season as principal trumpet with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Höskuldsson’s leave leaves the CSO flute section without a principal, as the assistant principal role is also vacant. The orchestra is currently in the process of filling multiple positions, including principal trombone, principal harp, second oboe, bass clarinet, contrabassoon, assistant principal viola, and various string section roles.
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