Hugo Saavedra began his musical studies at age 12 in Colombia, He has appeared with many of the leading ensembles in the United States, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Saavedra’s international engagements include performances at the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, collaborations with members of the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, and a tour of Germany with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and members of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, where he performed Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 under Daniel Harding. For the 2026–27 season, Saavedra will serve as Acting Assistant Principal Trombone with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

A graduate of Northwestern and Roosevelt Universities, Saavedra studied with trombonists Michael Mulcahy, Timothy Higgins, Douglas Wright, Christopher Davis, and Jay Friedman. He has performed with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, New World Symphony, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In 2024, he was named a finalist in the prestigious Sphinx Competition.

Deeply committed to expanding representation in classical music, Saavedra recorded an album for the Latin Grammys in 2023 featuring historic Latin American classical repertoire. The recording celebrates the artistry of underrepresented composers and highlights the richness and diversity of Latin American musical heritage.

Saavedra serves on the faculty of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and works with programs including Ravinia’s El Sistema Brass, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, and Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. His students have earned national recognition and have qualified to enter leading conservatories and universities.

Through his performances, teaching, and advocacy, Hugo Saavedra continues to contribute to the future of classical music by fostering excellence, inclusion, and a broader understanding of the global traditions that shape the art form.

Master in Music
Northwestern University

Artist Diploma, Music Performance, General
Roosevelt University