About
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.
Honens Legacy Partners support the ongoing growth and development of Esther Honens’ vision by securing the organization’s future. The Legacy Partners Endowment Fund enables Honens to provide wide-reaching programming through its annual festival and other enriching community education and outreach initiatives.
Mandate
Mission
Honens exists to promote and foster the achievement of excellence in the art of piano performance, to identify and support young artists who are gifted with outstanding musicianship, and to spark and enhance the public’s appreciation and understanding of the piano and piano music.
Vision
Honens is one of the world’s leading international piano competitions and is widely esteemed for its artistic excellence, integrity, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the musical and cultural life of our community, both nationally and internationally.
Values
Excellence – We are leaders in artistic performance and community engagement, setting a global standard in the world of piano competitions and beyond.
Integrity – We act with fairness, honestly, and transparency, upholding the trust placed in us by artists, audiences, and our community.
Belonging – We celebrate the joy of music by creating a welcoming, inclusive, and connected environment. Artists, audiences, staff, and supporters are seen, valued, and part of something meaningful.
Creativity – We cultivate curiosity, imagination, and adaptability, encouraging bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovative ways of sharing the piano with the world.
Collaboration – We believe shared vision and co-creation lead to richer outcomes. By building communities that cross cultures, disciplines, and borders, we amplify the impact of music through meaningful partnerships and purposeful teamwork.
Land Acknowledgement
At Honens, we recognize that we are guests on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy including the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Nations; the Tsuut’ina Nation; and the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nations consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney Nations. This land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6) and all who live within Treaty 7.
We are situated within what is now called Calgary, at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers—the meeting place traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis (Blackfoot), Wîchîspa (Stoney Nakoda), and Guts’ists’i (Tsuut’ina).
In many cultures, and for many generations, music has helped people overcome obstacles, find meaning, and process what words alone cannot. Just as music is valued as a source of healing, connection, and renewal, so too is the land on which we live, love, and play. We acknowledge that we are all Treaty people and share in the responsibility to care for the land and for one another.
Today, as we make music and celebrate works of the past and present, we honour and are grateful to all those who came before us and who continue to steward the land. It is our hope that together—through music, reconciliation, and renewed community—we can share in the joy of the piano and all it can inspire in this beautiful place.