“Since 1966, Tom Battenberg has served as a steady, dynamic trumpeter with the Columbus Symphony,” writes Nancy Gilson in Sunday’s (7/24) Columbus Dispatch (Ohio). “A half-century later, on Saturday night, he will retire as the leader of the section.… ‘Trumpeters are so important for the orchestra, and for a player to be on his game for 50 years is remarkable,’ said William Conner, CEO of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, which manages the orchestra.’ ‘Tom is absolutely in great shape.’ … In recognition of his achievements as an artist, the Greater Columbus Arts Council this month named Battenberg the eight recipient of the Raymond J. Hanley Award—which includes a no-strings-attached grant of $12,500 in memory of the former county president. The retirement of Battenberg—along with that of pops conductor Albert-George Schram—will command attention Friday and Saturday during the final Picnic With the Pops concerts of the season.… ‘The last concert of my 50th year will be on my 75th birthday,’ Battenberg said.… He has worked under six conductors, beginning with Evan Whallon and continuing through Music Director Rossen Milanov, who refers to his playing as ‘always exceptional.’ ”
Posted July 28, 2016
