A night of brass: Bertha celebrates local trumpet legend

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

Adolph Herseth served as principle trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) from 1948 to 2001, one of the longest tenures in orchestral history. His distinctive sound and consistent performance helped define the CSO’s brass section when the orchestra rose to international prominence under several major conductors.

Herseth was born on July 25, 1921, in Lake Park, Minnesota and was raised in a musical household.

His father worked as a school teacher and administrator and directed a children’s orchestra.

After graduating as valedictorian from Bertha High School in 1939, Herseth attended Luther College in Iowa, initially planning to become a music educator. However, his time serving in the Navy bands during World War II shifted his focus toward performance.

While pursuing a master’s degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Herseth received a telegram from CSO music director Arthur Rodzinski inviting him to audition. After performing an informal audition at Rodzinski’s New York apartment and a formal one at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Herseth was offered the principle trumpet position at age 26....

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