Thank you for your interest in the tenth Honens International Piano Competition. The application is now closed.
If you need any assistance, contact the Competition administration at competition@honens.com.
COVID-19 Update
The tenth edition of the Honens International Piano Competition, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will take place 22 to 28 October 2022.
Memorization Clarification
In response to a question, Honens has made the following clarification around memorization of competition repertoire:
- For the Quarterfinals, in the case of a modern work written after 1990, use of the score shall be permitted. The length of the works performed with score should total no more than half of the total performance time.
- For Semifinals I, in the case of a modern work written after 1990, use of the score shall be permitted. The length of the works performed with score (including the use of the score for Stewart Goodyear work if used), should total no more than half of the total performance time.
- For Semifinals II, all of the solo repertoire performed must be memorized.
Pianist Manual
All information about the tenth edition of the Honens International Piano Competition can be found in the Pianist Manual. Be sure to read carefully and observe all requirements. Applications submitted with incomplete or inappropriate information will not be considered.
Eligibility
Pianists who are no younger than 20 years of age on 14 October 2021 and no older than 30 years of age on 22 October 2021, with the exception of previous Honens Laureates and professionally managed pianists, are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Applications to the Honens International Piano Competition are accepted online through the Embark application platform.
It is not necessary to complete your application in one sitting. The information you submit will be saved and you will be able to return as many times as necessary until you are ready to submit.
Application Fee
$125 USD
This non-refundable fee must be paid by credit card with the submission of online applications. Credit card information will be submitted securely. There are no fee waivers.
Deadline
DEADLINE EXTENDED. All materials, including letters of reference, must be received by 8 November 2020 (23:59 GMT-07:00).
Supporting Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents to the Embark platform, which support the information provided in the application:
- Biography: a professional biography outlining your achievements
- Identification: proof of age (passport or similar government-issued identification)
- Education: diploma, certificates, and transcripts
- Scholarships, Awards, and other Competitions: diploma, certificates, and letters
- Reviews: published and / or online
- Professional Experience: proof of orchestra, chamber music, and solo recital performances (house programs), and commercial recordings (cover art)
- Photographs: at least one colour headshot suitable for reproduction (300 dpi minimum)
Only PDF documents and JPEG photographs will be accepted.
All document scans must be legible (grey scale or black and white recommended). Photographic images must be submitted in full colour.
Do not mail paper copies or forward email attachments of documents or photographs unless directed to do so by Honens.
To be considered, all supporting documents not in English must be accompanied by English translations.
Applicants who encounter any difficulties should contact Honens at competition@honens.com for assistance and further instructions.
Each application must include two confidential letters of recommendation from musicians of international standing, who are not related to the applicant, and who are qualified to attest to an applicant’s musical ability. The online application requires that the applicant provide the names and email addresses of the persons who have agreed to provide recommendations. The online application system contacts these persons directly by email and asks them to submit their recommendations electronically. Honens will accept a paper recommendation when it is enclosed in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s name signed across the flap.
These confidential assessments should address the applicant’s suitability and readiness for the Honens Competition and for a professional career in music.
It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure that letters are submitted on or before the application deadline date: 8 November 2020. Submissions not including at least two reference letters will be considered incomplete.
