Duo GlossArte Wins H.I.F. Biber Prize for 2025

Harpsichordist Lea Suter and trombonist Juan Martínez González will receive a cash prize of €1500

Awarded every second year, the H.I.F. Biber Prize is given to outstanding musicians who demonstrate a special commitment to historically informed performance practice. In 2025, the prize (worth €1500) has been won by Duo GlossArte, which is made up of the Swiss harpsichordist and organist Lea Suter and the Spanish trombonist Juan Martínez González.

The duo has made a number of world premiere recordings of works for historical trombone and keyboard instruments. They play on both replicas and original instruments.

In 2021, Duo GlossArte released their first disc on the Dabringhaus & Grimm label. They have also been one of the young talent ensembles supported by Neustart Kultur.

Lea Suter studied historical keyboard instruments in Germany and the Netherlands and works internationally as a soloist and in various ensembles. She is also an academic and researches the music of the period, as well as giving regular performances at festivals and academies.

Juan Martínez González studied in Spain, Bremen, and The Hague. He appears regularly with Concierto Ibérico, the Weckmann Consort, the Franz Kuhn Trombone Quartet, and the Elbipolis Barockorchester Hamburg.

"The Duo GlossArte clearly won the points award at the 9th International H.I.F. Biber Competition on May 4, 2025," said Gunar Letzbor, Artistic Director of the competition and founder of the Ars Antiqua Austria ensemble. "The trombonist's virtuosity was astonishing, while his clear tone and varied program were inspiring. The captivating stage presence and relaxed yet focused performance rounded off the positive overall impression of this ensemble."