The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Timothy Higgins as its new principal trombone, effective at the start of the 2025/26 season on 18–19 September. He will hold the Lisa and Paul Wiggin Principal Trombone Chair, a position conferred by Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä.
Higgins succeeds Jay Friedman, who retired in September 2025 after an extraordinary 63 years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Friedman joined the CSO in 1962 and was appointed principal trombone in 1964, at the age of 25 — becoming the youngest brass player to hold a first chair in a major orchestra at the time. His career also included extensive work as a conductor and arranger.
Career in San Francisco
A Houston native, Higgins has served as principal trombone of the San Francisco Symphony since 2008, when he was appointed by Michael Tilson Thomas. He previously held the position of acting second trombone with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.
Trained at Northwestern University, his principal teachers included Michael Mulcahy of the Chicago Symphony, Michael Warny of the Houston Grand Opera, and Royce Landon. Over the years, he has performed with major ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Music of the Baroque, in addition to appearances at the Aspen, Grand Teton, and Sun Valley summer festivals.
Composer, arranger, and teacher
Alongside his orchestral career, Higgins has established himself as a composer and arranger. He was the arranger for the National Brass Ensemble’s Gabrieli recording and, in 2021, premiered his own Concerto for Trombone with the San Francisco Symphony under Tilson Thomas. His works have been programmed by ensembles including the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, and American Brass Quintet.
He is founder of the publishing company 415Music, established in 2014, and has held teaching positions at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Northwestern University, the Pokorny Seminar, and festivals such as Aspen and Pacific Music Festival. He has also given masterclasses across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
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