Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence
The University of Kansas School of Music has announced the establishment of the Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence, an endowed program made possible through a gift from longtime KU Director of Bands Robert Foster and his late wife, Becky.
Foster led KU bands for 31 years and conducted the Lawrence City Band for decades. He was inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors in 2006.
The new program established by the Fosters will bring world-class trumpet artists and teachers to the Lawrence campus each year, providing KU students with transformative opportunities to learn from and perform alongside some of the most accomplished musicians in the field.
The Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence program ensures that generations of KU students will continue to benefit from the couple’s vision and generosity, further strengthening the School of Music’s reputation as a center for musical excellence and innovation.
Artists in Residence:
November, 2025: Esteban Batallán
Esteban Batallán currently holds the position as principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and will perform the Trumpet Concerto by Alexander Arutiunian as soloist with the KU Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Matt Smith on November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center.
He was appointed principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2019 by Music Director Riccardo Muti. He was previously the principal trumpet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic during the 2018-19 season and for the Granada City Orchestra from 2002 to 2018.
He also served as guest principal trumpet with the Royal Orchestra of Seville from 2010 to 2014 and with the Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala and the Filarmonica della Scala in 2015 and 2018. Batallán has also appeared with distinguished symphonic orchestras around the world including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Gstaad Festival Orchestra, the Sinfonieorchester Basel, the Houston Symphony, and the Symphony Orchestra of India, among others.
