Gusztáv Hőna, Liszt Prize-winning trombonist, was born on 10 November 1948 in Budapest. He graduated from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest and studied at Florida State University in the USA on a scholarship from 1978-79.

From 1972 he was a member of the Hungarian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra. In 1974 he founded the Modern Brass Ensemble and in 1983 the Hőna Trombone Quartet. With both ensembles they achieved considerable success abroad and at home.

Gusztáv Hőna is the inspiration and performer of many Hungarian contemporary composers, such as Ervin Jereb (Monograph), László Dubrovay (Solo No. 2), Endre Székely (Rhapsody for trombone and percussion), József Sári (Ananta) and Frigyes Hidas (Concerto; Double Concerto for tenor and bass trombone; Birthday Concerto).

At Hungarian Radio he has had the opportunity to record international and national trombone literature, including Johann Georg Albrechtsberger’s Trombone Concerto; Frank Martin’s Ballade; Darius Milhaud’s Concertino d’hiver for trombone and string orchestra; Enst Bloch’s Symphony for trombone and orchestra; and Paul Creston’s Fantasia for trombone and orchestra.

Since 1981 Gusztáv Hőna has been a regular participant in international meetings, giving master classes and lectures on contemporary Hungarian trombone literature, chamber and solo concerts in Europe, America and Australia. In 1992, he was awarded the Liszt Prize for his outstanding work in promoting Hungarian music at home and abroad. 

Since 1990 he has been a lecturer at the Liszt Academy of Music Budapest. In 2010 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Trombone Association (ITA).