Billy R. Hunter, Jr., a native of Austin, Texas, has been the Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2004. With a versatile career encompassing orchestral, chamber, and solo performances nationwide, he is also a sought-after teacher and brass coach who recently rejoined the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music.
In addition to his work with the MET, Mr. Hunter has served as Guest Principal Trumpet with distinguished ensembles such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. His impressive performance history includes collaborations with the New York Philharmonic, Saint Louis Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and Boston Symphony, as well as various trumpet positions with the New World, Baltimore, and Grant Park Symphony orchestras.
As a chamber musician, he has partnered with numerous ensembles across the United States, including the Gateways Chamber Ensemble and the MET Chamber Ensemble, and has performed at prestigious festivals such as the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival.
As a soloist, Mr. Hunter has appeared with orchestras including the Classical Tahoe Orchestra, York Symphony, and Chattanooga Symphony, and has given recitals and masterclasses in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Asia. His accolades include the Roger Voisin Outstanding Trumpeter Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center, first prize in the Kingsville International Solo Competition Brass Division, and multiple Grammy Awards as part of the MET Orchestra. In 2010, he received the University of Texas Outstanding Young Texas-Exes Award, one of the highest honors for alumni.
Mr. Hunter is an esteemed educator, conducting masterclasses and lessons at prestigious institutions such as the Cleveland Institute of Music, Juilliard, and Yale. He frequently coaches the New York Youth Symphony, the New World Symphony in Miami, and the National Youth Orchestra. His previous faculty positions include the Peabody Conservatory, Aspen Music Festival, NJCU, and the University of Texas at Austin. His teachers include legendary trumpeters Raymond Crisara, Raymond Mase, Mark Gould, and hornist Harry Shapiro.
