o

u

r

h

i

s

t

o

r

y

In 1991, after attending the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Texas, Esther Honens was inspired to bring a similar world-class event to her hometown of Calgary, Canada. At 89 years old, she donated $5 million to establish the Esther Honens International Piano Competition Foundation.

Thanks to the dedication of hundreds of Calgarians, the inaugural Honens International Piano Competition was held from 13 to 28 November 1992. Although her health was rapidly declining due to Parkinson’s Disease, Esther was able to watch her dream come true from a private booth at the back of the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Just five days later, she passed away.

Through the years, Honens has firmly established it’s reputation around the world as Canada’s international piano competition, recognized for its unique and holistic approach to discovering and nurturing emerging artists. The Competition not only celebrates pianistic excellence, but also values creativity, communication, and the ability to engage diverse audiences … in short, Complete Artists.

Beyond the Competition itself, Honens presents an annual Festival and a range of community programs that make exceptional music accessible to all and foster a deeper appreciation for the piano. Through all its activities, Honens continues to carry Esther’s vision forward in fresh, modern, and meaningful ways.

Esther Honens’ legacy lives on through the music, the artists, and the communities her vision continues to inspire—locally, across Canada, and around the world.