Honens takes the health and safety of its artists, staff, volunteers, donors, and audience members very seriously and has developed a comprehensive Pandemic Response Plan (including the appointment of a Pandemic Response Committee) to address the current global situation and its impact on the organization. Honens continues to monitor the Alberta Health Services, Health Canada, and World Health Organization websites to stay on top of critical updates and the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
5 October 2021
The health and safety of guest artists, staff, volunteers, and audience members remains Honens’ top priority. As we transition towards live events, Honens will follow and exceed the Alberta Health Services Restrictions Exemption Program in order to best protect everyone in attendance and limit transmission of COVID-19.
To enter any in-person Honens event, attendees 12 years of age and older will be required to provide proof of full vaccination (via QR code, with second vaccine administered a minimum of 14 days prior to the event) or valid medical exemption documentation, along with photo ID. Negative COVID-19 test results will not be accepted at this time.
Capacity will be limited to allow for proper physical distancing in concert venues and, as per Alberta Health Services guidelines, masking is required at all times while indoors.
Honens will continue to assess the COVID-19 situation on an ongoing basis and will adjust measures as necessary.
17 June 2021
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. Find out more here.
3 March 2021
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, Honens has postponed its 2021 International Piano Competition to 2022.
“This is less of a decision than it is the acceptance of an inevitability,” says President & CEO Neil Edwards. “We have explored every option and determined that the current world situation makes it impossible for us to present a Competition worthy of Honens’ high international standard and reputation.”
The 50 Quarterfinalists chosen to participate in the 2021 Competition will remain in place for 2022, including those who have turned 31. Juries and Collaborating Artists will also remain in place, where schedules and circumstance permit.
Honens continues to work closely with its venue and artistic partners in Calgary, Berlin, and New York, and will release further information, including revised Quarterfinal and Competition dates, as soon as it becomes available.
12 January 2021
National lockdowns, imposed quarantine periods, and increased travel restrictions have made it impossible for most arts organizations to proceed with their programs and events in the timelines that were originally planned.
For these reasons, and to ensure the continued good health and safety of all involved, Honens has made the difficult decision to postpone its 2021 Quarterfinals. These recitals, which were scheduled to take place in Berlin and New York in March, will now take place in mid- to late- June. As plans are still being developed, more specific information will be shared as soon as it is available.
Semifinal and Final rounds are scheduled to take place in Calgary in October 2021.
6 October 2020
9 September 2020
Honens expects to move forward with the 2021 Honens International Piano Competition as planned, as long as we can do so safely and at the highest possible artistic standard. The health and safety of those involved in the Competition remains our top priority, and as such, we are considering various scenarios given the evolving pandemic.
All complete applications received are secure and will be considered.
29 April 2020
In response to Alberta’s public health order prohibiting public events until the end of August, Honens has decided not to move forward with its 2020 Festival, which was scheduled to take place from 10 to 13 September.
“Though this is disappointing,” said Neil Edwards, Honens’ President & CEO, “Honens remains committed to the well-being and safety of its guest artists, staff, volunteers, and audience members. For now, we will continue working towards the 2021 Competition as we, once again, welcome the world to Calgary.”
The 2021 Honens International Piano Competition takes place from 14 to 22 October 2021.
16 March 2020
As per Alberta Health recommendations, the Honens office is closed until further notice. During this closure, normal operations will continue without interruption with members of the Honens Team working remotely.
Email addresses and mobile phone numbers for all Staff can be found here.
Questions? Please feel free to contact us!
