2025 ISB Award Honorees

Click here to see a list of past ISB Award winners.

To read about the ISB Awards procedures, click here.

Special Recognition Awards

Every two years the International Society of Bassists recognizes those who have contributed their special skills, knowledge, projects and other positive works in furthering the ISB's mission to Inspire, Educate and Connect. Our 2025 Special Recognition Award honorees are:

• Composition — Sam Suggs
• Lutherie — Thomas Martin
• Scholarship — Jeff Bradetich
• Teaching — Rufus Reid
• Solo Performance — Joelle Leandre and Mikyung Sung
• Jazz Performance — Matthew Brewer
• Orchestral Performance — Lawrence Hurst and Chris Hanulik
• Historically Informed Performance — Alison Mackay
• Young Bassist Ambassador — Jason Heath
• Special Merit — Gaelen McCormick

Humanitarian Award

From time to time the ISB gives a Humanitarian Award for a lifetime of exceptional service to the global double bass community. Our 2025 Humanitarian Award has been given to:

• John Goldsby

Distinguished Achievement

The International Society of Bassist's Distinguished Achievement Award is given biennially to recognize a lifetime of accomplishment. It is the ISB's highest honor, and we are proud to announce the 2025 recipient, Ed Barker.

Edwin Barker graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory in 1976. That same year at age 22, while a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ed joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra as principal bass, a position he held for 48 years. In addition to the Boston Symphony, Ed has recorded and performed with the Boston Symphony Chamber Players and the Boston-based contemporary music ensemble Collage. He is also a frequent guest performer with the Boston Chamber Music Society.

Most of all, Ed is beloved as a teacher. He continues to serve on the faculty of Boston University as associate professor and retired from the Tanglewood Music Center in 2024. "I can't think of a more deserving recipient of the ISB Distinguished Achievement Award than Ed Barker," says George Speed, who presented the award to his former teacher at the 2025 ISB Convention. "For 48 years, Ed has led the Boston Symphony bass section with artistry, grace, and supreme command of his craft. He is the consummate musician and leader, someone who embodies professionalism, discipline and integrity in all that he does."

Thanks to our 2025 Awards Committee

Gaelen McCormick, Chair
Lorraine Campet
Diana Gannett
Susan Lipkins
Andres Martin
Linda McKnight
Fiona Palmer
Scott Pingel
Derek Weller
Sue Yelanjian

Previous ISB Award Recipients