The former principal bassist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra was recognised for this lifetime achievements as a performer and educator
The International Society of Bassists (ISB) has announced Edwin Barker as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award.
The award is given biennially to recognise a lifetime of accomplishment and is the ISB’s highest honour.
Barker was a long-standing principal double bassist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 48 years. He was appointed to the role in 1976 aged only 22, having served previously as a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, after graduating from New England Conservatory.
Additionally, Barker 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.
As an educator, 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,’ commented 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.’
The ISB also gave out Special Recognition Awards to bassists who have ’contributed their special skills, knowledge, projects and other positive works in furthering the ISB’s mission to Inspire, Educate and Connect.’
The 2025 Special Recognition Award recipients are as follows:
- 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
The 2025 Awards Committee was chaired by Gaelen McCormick and comprised Lorraine Campet, Diana Gannett, Susan Lipkins, Andres Martin, Linda McKnight, Fiona Palmer, Scott Pingel, Derek Weller and Sue Yelanjian.
Read: Winners announced for the 2025 ISB Double Bass Competition
Read: ‘Your role is to lead by example’ - Edwin Barker’s life lessons
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