“So many piano competitions, so little time. Canada’s Honens Competition, however, may be on to something.”—The New Yorker
Welcome!
Thank you for attending the Laureate Circle event at Y House. We’re curated this page specially for you. Here (and in the menu for this page) you’ll find information about Honens, the Laureate Circle in Calgary, upcoming Competition, Keys for Newcomers program, and more.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jennifer Weihmann
Director, Audience & Donor Engagement
403 299 0130 ext. 132
jweihmann@honens.com
About Honens
Honens, home of Canada’s international piano competition based in Calgary, fosters the art of piano performance, identifies and supports outstanding young artists, and sparks and enhances appreciation and understanding of the piano and piano music.
Esther Honens created a legacy of musical pre-eminence 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. Driven by its commitment to responsibility to competitors, the community, and the art music ecosphere, Honens provides a runway for Laureates to set themselves apart from other artists as skilled performers who are also leaders, educators, advocates, and citizen artists.
The annual Honens Festival as well as community events and initiatives 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.
About the Laureate Circle
The Artist Development Program is funded in large part by Honens Laureate Circles. Laureate Circle members nurture the fledgling careers of inspiring emerging artists, and provide learning opportunities for young musicians in their own communities.
As a member of the Laureate Circle, you’ll receive invitations to exclusive events in Calgary, including intimate salon performances and international musical excursions. You’ll also gain access to ticket discounts and early purchase windows, as well as complimentary Honens recordings. The next Laureate Circle event in Calgary will be on 4 June 2024 featuring 2022 Honens Prize Laureate Illia Ovcharenko!
The Artist Development Program is underwritten by donations from Honens Laureate Circle memberships across Canada, and supported by RBC Emerging Artists Project and the Azrieli Foundation.
