The Chicago Symphony has now posted an opening for principal trombone on their website. The orchestra has a long tradition as one of the world’s best. Their recordings of the major symphonic repertoire under the baton of Fritz Reiner, Georg Solti and others have inspired generations of brass players. The winner will succeed Jay Friedman, who has has served as the orchestra’s Principal Trombonist since 1964.
A rare opportunity
The audition process will determine who will be the first new trombonist of the legendary brass section since Michael Mulcahy was appointed Second Trombonist by Sir Georg Solti in 1989. Associate Principal trombonist James Gilbertson retired from the orchestra in 2011, but his position has remained vacant since. The brass section of the Chicago Symphony has arguably been the most influential brass section in history. Musicians like Dale Clevenger and Adolph Herseth are considered among the all time greatest on their instruments. The research and teaching of former tubist Arnold Jacobs were ground breaking during his lifetime. Jacobs’ ideas have since been passed on to younger generations of teachers and players all over the world by his students.
The low brass section gained a strong reputation on their own, and released a 1971 recording of low brass excerpts. The current members of the CSO low brass notably gave the premier of the Jennifer Higdon “Low Brass Concerto” in 2018, conducted by Riccardo Muti. They are enjoying active careers as arrangers, teachers, soloists and conductors outside the orchestra.
According to the orchestra website, preliminary auditions for the position of principal trombone are held November 4, 6, 9 and 11 this fall. The final round audition will take place in April 2025. The new principal trombonist is expected to be incorporated in September 2025. The retirement of Jay Friedman has not been officially announced.
Eyvind Sommerfelt
Online news-coordinator
2nd of August 2024