Did you know Calgary is home to an internationally recognized classical music festival and competition? The Honens International Piano Competition & Festival brings the classical music world to Calgary each year for performances that will delight new and experienced music fans alike. Learn all about unique festival and competition events that put Calgary on the map in the classic music world.
The Honens International Piano Competition takes place October 20-28, 2022.
The Honens organization serves the music community in Calgary and beyond with musical performances and educational opportunities, including an annual festival and competition that takes place every three years.
The Honens International Piano Competition takes place every three years and has been internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious piano events in the world. The finest pianists from around the world (age 20 to 30) apply to compete and perform in Calgary.
The Honens International Piano Competition & Festival is an internationally recognized piano event.
Honens was founded by philanthropist, music lover, and amateur pianist, Esther Honens. Her dream was to create an international music competition that would bring the world’s best emerging pianists to Calgary. In 1991, she gave $5 million dollars to endow The Esther Honens International Piano Competition Foundation. The inaugural Honens Competition took place in 1992.
The Honens Prize Laureate is awarded $100,000 and a valuable Artist Development Program. This is the largest prize of its kind and provides mentorship, performance opportunities, and residencies, putting the winner on the world stage with debuts in some of the most prestigious venues and concerts with world-class orchestras.
2015 Honens Prize Laureate Luca Buratto has had the chance to perform at Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Berlin Konzerthaus, as well as collaborations with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Symphony, since winning the Competition.
The Honens International Piano Competition invites emerging pianists to apply every three years. Seeking the Complete Artist, the competition focuses on finding “a 21st century pianist for 21st century audiences” that exemplifies a unique, imaginative, and informed pianist. Finalists from Italy, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, Georgia, South Africa, Austria, Hong Kong, Belgium, South Korea, and the United States have competed in the competition.
The Honens International Piano Competition takes place every three years.
The Honens International Piano Competition is best suited to experienced music fans looking for the opportunity to hear the finest emerging pianists in the world.
The Honens International Piano Competition features 10 pianists from around the world. Each competitor performs a solo recital and a collaborative recital as part of the Semifinals. The Competition Finals I features three finalists performing a quintet followed by the Competition Finals II & Awards Show, where the three finalists perform a concerto with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. This is an exciting night of entertainment where the Honens Prize Laureate is announced and awarded $100,000 along with the Artist Development Program.
Single tickets and Competition passes are available so you can choose how to best experience this world renowned event at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Competition Finals II & Awards Show is an exciting night of entertainment.
True to Esther Honens’ original vision, the Honens Piano Festival brings the joy of music to Calgarians and visitors alike in an accessible and approachable way. The Festival is best experienced by music fans looking for an introduction to classical music.
Check the Honens website for the latest updates and event announcements for the Honens Piano Festival in Calgary.
The Open Air concert in Central Memorial Park is a popular Honens Festival event.
