"Art creates culture. Culture creates community. And community creates humanity."—Your Brain on Art
Esther Honens loved music—and she loved her community. She was a remarkable woman, a force of nature who broke down barriers as a successful entrepreneur at a time when women had few roles available to them. She used her wealth not for recognition, but to enrich the lives of others, pouring her heart into the city she adored.
As Iris Nowell wrote in Women who Give Away Millions, Esther “lived her life in a state of musical love.” More than anything, Esther wanted to share that love—and to showcase the generosity and spirit of Calgary through music.
When Honens was founded in 1991, it was Esther’s vision and the dedication of hundreds of Calgarians that brought the first Honens International Piano Competition to life in 1992, a full year ahead of schedule. That community-first approach remains at the heart of Honens today. We continue to tap into Calgary’s trademark spirit of generosity to build programs that are inclusive, imaginative, and deeply connected to the needs of our time.
Music is a universal language that breaks down barriers, and is one of the few things that truly spans generations. By offering free community concerts, adaptive performances, masterclasses, and opportunities for children to experience live music—whether in a school gymnasium, a shopping mall, or a concert hall—Honens helps ignite a lifelong love for the piano and ensures the music keeps playing for generations to come… just as Esther dreamed.
