The Glenn Gould School (at the Royal Conservatory of Music) will be hosting a two-part masterclass next week with Chicago Symphony Principal Trumpet, Esteban Batallán. It will be taking place on February 3rd in the morning from 10-12, and then again from 1-3 in the afternoon.
Batallán is somewhat less well-known in North American brass circles than his position would lead one to expect – the principal trumpet position in the CSO is, without a doubt, one of the most coveted and storied brass playing positions in the world, largely owing to the legacy of its legendary past principal, Adolph “Bud” Herseth. Batallán has been in this position since 2019, and these masterclasses are a rare opportunity to hear a star orchestra player in the prime of his career working with the fantastic students at GGS.
There are many examples of his playing on YouTube, both as a soloist and in orchestras, but here’s a particular favourite of mine:
Steven Abra - Toronto Trumpet Player and Teacher 