2026 Honens Festival — Storytellers: Babar the Elephant

Join us for a charming morning concert that brings Jean de Brunhoff’s The Story of Babar to life. Children and families are welcomed into Babar’s world in this charming, accessible introduction to classical music and storytelling.

Registration is $5 per group. To eliminate financial barriers, we will refund your $5 registration fee when you attend the event. If you wish to donate your fee, please let us know when you check in.

**Program**
**FRANCIS POULENC** L'Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant (The story of Babar, the little elephant) FP 129

**About Honens**
*So many piano competitions, so little time. Canada’s Honens Competition, however, may be on to something.” —The New Yorker*

Honens, home of Canada’s international piano competition, cultivates piano artistry, supports remarkable young artists, and inspires a richer understanding of the piano and its music.

Esther Honens created a legacy of musical excellence to be enjoyed for generations. In 1991, Mrs. Honens gave $5 million to endow an international piano competition in her hometown of Calgary, Canada. Today, the triennial Honens International Piano Competition is considered one of the world’s most prestigious events of its kind. Honens prepares its Laureates, who embody the philosophy of the Complete Artist, for professional careers in music, through a comprehensive and customizable three-year artistic development and career accelerator program which creates opportunities for exposure and holistic growth.

Community events and initiatives, along with the annual Honens Festival, are intended to share Mrs. Honens’ love of world-renowned music, and provide every Calgarian access to barrier free, enriching musical experiences. Her generosity, vision, and love of music continue to touch the lives of musicians and music-lovers at home and around the world.