Trumpeter Mark Ridenour Retires from Chicago Symphony

Ridenour has given 31 years' service and played under conductors such as Barenboim, Muti, Solti, and Haitink

Mark Ridenour, who has played the trumpet in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for the last 31 years, has announced his retirement from the position of Assistant Principal Trumpet. His last performance with the orchestra will be of Verdi's Requiem, on June 24, 2025.

Ridenour, who first appeared with the CSO during the 1994 Ravinia Festival, paid tribute to his mentor, CSO Principal Trumpet Adolph “Bud” Herseth​​ — with whom he played ​until Herseth’s retirement in 2004. On several occasions (2003-05, 2016-19, and in 2024-25), Ridenour stepped into the role of acting principal trumpet and was able to mentor others around him.

He has played for some of the world's most prominent conductors, including music directors Daniel Barenboim and Riccardo Muti, as well as Music Director Laureate Sir Georg Solti, Principal Conductor Bernard Haitink, Principal Guest Conductor Pierre Boulez, and Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä.

In addition, Ridenour has completed 34 international tours with the orchestra.

A graduate of Asbury College and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Ridenour played with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra of Tennessee and the Florida Orchestra before coming to Chicago.

The CSO will recognize Ridenour's long commitment to the orchestra by presenting him with its Theodore Thomas Medallion for Distinguished Service.

"It has been an honor to work with incredible musicians and share great music with audiences in Chicago, across the country and around the world as a member of this Orchestra," Ridenour said. "To touch the heart and the soul of the listener is the goal of any musician, and to connect to people through music is something that I hope I can continue to do whenever I have the opportunity."

"I am grateful for the memories of countless great performances and experiences during my years with the Orchestra."