Interlochen Alum Caleb Hudson Brings Baroque and Beyond
World renowned trumpeter and Interlochen alum Caleb Hudson visited northern Michigan to guest with the Traverse City Philharmonic for the program Bach and Beyond, performing two Baroque concertos and a varied program that connected local audiences to a wider classical repertoire. The visit and performances matter to Grand Traverse County because they highlight Interlochen ties, bring a high level of artistry to Milliken Auditorium, and contribute to the region cultural calendar and community wellbeing.
Caleb Hudson, a trumpeter with international stature and roots at Interlochen, was in northern Michigan the weekend of November 14 to join the Traverse City Philharmonic for the program titled Bach and Beyond. The residency included performances at Milliken Auditorium on November 15 at 7 30 p.m. and November 16 at 3 p.m., with Hudson guest conducted by Leslie Dunner. Audiences heard a program that ranged from Baroque showpieces on piccolo trumpet to works by Chevalier de Saint Georges, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, George Walker, Astor Piazzolla and Gabriela Lena Frank.
Hudson discussed his musical roots at Interlochen and his recent album Nothing Less during an interview recorded during the visit. He also spoke about the technical and musical challenges of performing two Baroque concertos back to back on piccolo trumpet, a rare and demanding feat that showcased both stamina and stylistic control. A recorded interview with Hudson is available online for listeners who want to hear his reflections on repertoire and recent projects.
The performances brought an uncommon pairing of virtuosity and varied programming to Traverse City. Presenting works by historical and contemporary composers helped broaden the Philharmonic audience experience, while the Interlochen connection underscored the region role in fostering musical talent. For local students and longtime patrons the weekend provided direct access to a practitioner who trained in the same north Michigan community and now performs on major stages.
Beyond immediate enjoyment, visits like Hudsons have community significance. Live orchestral events contribute to cultural vitality and offer opportunities for informal music education, local collaborations and audience development. For residents who track the cultural calendar the weekend reinforced Milliken Auditorium as a site for major guest artists and supported the Philharmonic mission to bring diverse repertory to Grand Traverse County.
Hudsons recent projects and his album Nothing Less frame this residency as part of an ongoing artistic trajectory that blends solo performance with collaborative programming. As communities consider arts investment and programming priorities, the weekend served as a reminder that connections between regional training institutions and visiting artists can strengthen cultural equity and help sustain opportunities for local audiences to engage with high level classical music.
