Semifinalists Announced

28 October 2009

William Aide, Chairman of the Honens Jury, announced tonight the 12 pianists who advance to the Semifinals of the Sixth Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary.

The Honens Semifinals take place Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1 at the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre. Sessions begin at 1 pm and 7:30 pm, preceded by Music as a Second Language (MSL) performance-lectures with 2003 Honens Laureate Winston Choi. Each Semifinalist performs a 65-minute recital that includes ten minutes of art song and lieder with Canadian contralto, Marie-Nicole Lemieux.

Five of the pianists will advance to the Finals with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Christoph Campestrini, November 5 and 6. “Honens is the only piano competition in the world that requires its pianists to collaborate with a singer. This collaboration is a test of true musicianship,” says Stephen McHolm, Honens’ Executive Director.

Semifinals tickets are $30, $12 for A440 members, and are available by calling the Honens Box Office at (403) 299-0140 or online at honens.com.

Honens International Piano Competition is among the world’s most prestigious events of its kind. It searches the world to discover “Complete Artists” – 21st century musicians for 21st century audiences. The Sixth Honens International Piano Competition, presented by Nexen Inc., and supported by Steinway & Sons, Irene Besse Keyboards Ltd, Macleod Dixon LLP, TransAlta, Enbridge Inc. and Optimal Payments, takes place in Calgary, October 22 to November 6, 2009. For more information visit honens.com.