How did it get started?
Honens was founded by philanthropist, music lover, and amateur pianist, Esther Honens. Her dream was to create an international music competition that would bring the world’s best emerging pianists to Calgary. In 1991, she gave $5 million dollars to endow The Esther Honens International Piano Competition Foundation. The inaugural Honens Competition took place in 1992.
Why is the Honens Prize Laureate so important?
The Honens Prize Laureate is awarded $100,000 and a valuable Artist Development Program. This is the largest prize of its kind and provides mentorship, performance opportunities, and residencies, putting the winner on the world stage with debuts in some of the most prestigious venues and concerts with world-class orchestras.
2015 Honens Prize Laureate Luca Buratto has had the chance to perform at Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Berlin Konzerthaus, as well as collaborations with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Symphony, since winning the Competition.
Who participates in the Competition?
The Honens International Piano Competition invites emerging pianists to apply every three years. Seeking the Complete Artist, the competition focuses on finding “a 21st century pianist for 21st century audiences” that exemplifies a unique, imaginative, and informed pianist. Finalists from Italy, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, Georgia, South Africa, Austria, Hong Kong, Belgium, South Korea, and the United States have competed in the competition.