Philadelphia Orchestra welcomes new musicians ahead of 2024-25 season

The Philadelphia Orchestra has announced the addition of five new musicians ahead of their upcoming season, which begins next month.

Among the additions are Assistant Principal Bass Tobias Vigneau and violinists John Bian, Eliot Heaton, and MuChen Hsieh. Bian, Heaton, and Hsieh originally began performing in the orchestra’s second violin section in July, and Vigneau will join the ensemble in September.

“We are thrilled to welcome these four exceptional musicians to The Philadelphia Orchestra family,” said music and artistic director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “Each brings a unique perspective and rich experience to their craft, and I look forward to collaborating with them and witnessing their contributions to the Orchestra and our community for many years to come.”

The Philadelphia Orchestra also announced the addition of Esteban Batallán, who will join as principal trumpet in September.

“From the first moment I heard Esteban play, I knew he was the perfect match for The Philadelphia Orchestra,” said Nézet-Séguin. “This is a historic appointment that will have a generational impact on the sound of the Orchestra. We look forward to welcoming Esteban to our Orchestra family and to experiencing his contributions to our work.”

Most recently serving as principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Batallán boasts a history of notable roles, including principal trumpet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and City of Granada Orchestra, guest principal trumpet with the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, and Filarmonica della Scala, in addition to appearances with multiple distinguished orchestras around the world.

Winner of several prestigious competitions, including the Jeunesses Musicales of Spain Competition, Yamaha Xeno National Competition, Jeunesses Musicales of Europe Competition, and Yamaha International Competition, Batallán now comes to Philadelphia to contribute his experience and ability to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

“The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the entire management team make for a historic organization unique in its commitment to the musical arts,” said Batallán. “The combination of excellent musical and personal standards make The Philadelphia Orchestra a truly great musical family.”

The 2024-25 season for the Philadelphia Orchestra begins Friday, Sept. 20, with an evening featuring the music of award-winning composer James Newton Howard. Famed director and long-time Philadelphia-area resident M. Night Shyamalan will host the event at the newly rededicated Marian Anderson Hall.

For more information on upcoming events for the Philadelphia Orchestra, visit philorch.org