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Press Releases
Honens Announces Semifinalists of the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition and the 2025 Honens Honours Award Recipients
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Calgary, AB, June 16, 2025—Honens announced today the 10 outstanding pianists who have advanced to the Semifinals rounds of the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition. The pianists, aged 24 to 30, come from eight countries: Canada, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. From October 16 to 20, these competitive young pianists will participate in both solo and chamber recitals at Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre (please see below for details). Three Finalists will then be chosen to perform at the two Finals rounds, which take place at Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), on October 23 and 24. Out of them, one pianist who best demonstrates the ideal of Honens’ Complete Artist, will be named the 2025 Honens Gold Laureate, winning one of the world’s largest awards of its kind—$100,000 (CAD) and a comprehensive, three-year artistic development and career accelerator program.
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The First Jury, composed of Sara Davis Buechner, Nicolas Namoradze, Marianne Perron, and Robert Roux, reviewed the Quarterfinal recitals and interviews recorded in Berlin and New York in March of this year. Under the guidance of Honens Official Mathematician Moshe Renert, the four jurors chose these 10 exceptional pianists to be invited to Calgary in October.
“Congratulations to these pianists for making it to the Semifinals round,” says Honens Artistic Director Jon Kimura Parker. “The Jury has narrowed down the participants from 51 Quarterfinalists to an exceptionally talented group of 10. It is always a difficult task for our Jurors, and the level of proficiency this year was truly remarkable. Our jurors brought extraordinary care and insight, as well as deep listening and dedication to the process. We are now a step closer to naming the 2025 Honens Gold Laureate, that one truly special pianist who embodies what we call the Complete Artist. The performances in October will be thrilling.”
Each Semifinalist performs two recitals: a self-programmed solo recital, carefully crafted to reflect his or her unique musical voice, including a newly commissioned work by the Iranian-Canadian composer Iman Habibi; and a recital that weaves solo performance with a collaborative musical dialogue between the pianist and the Edmonton-born cellist Rachel Mercer.
The three selected Finalists go on to perform a piano quintet with the Isidore String Quartet on October 23, including a solo encore announced from the stage. In the second Finals round, the following day, each participant performs a concerto composed after 1791 with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Elias Grandy. They also take part in a 30-minute interview with an arts journalist. The members of the Second Jury, who will evaluate the Semifinalists and Finalists, are Philippe Bianconi, Jenny Bilfield, Janina Fialkowska, Leila Getz, Anne-Marie McDermott, Roberto Plano, and Awadagin Pratt. They will select the 2025 Honens Gold Laureate, who will be announced following the conclusion of the Finals on October 24.
The Awards Show, following Finals II, will be hosted by Katherine Duncan, retired CBC host and producer; and Paolo Pietropaolo, host of “In Concert,” the award-winning classical music program on CBC.
Honens also announces today the 2025 Honens Honours award recipients. Honens Honours is a signature celebration that pays tribute to individuals and organizations whose passion for the arts has profoundly shaped our cultural landscape. Inspired by the visionary spirit of Esther Honens, this event shines a spotlight on those whose extraordinary contributions have enriched our city, province, and country. The honourees are Heather Edwards, Helen Graham, and Clarice Siebens. The Honens Honours gala, on October 21, will be an elegant evening celebrating the generosity of the honourees in an inspiring tribute to the philanthropic spirit that fuels Honens’ vision to foster a love of the piano.
Running simultaneously with the Competition in Calgary, The Honens Lab is an innovative program for emerging pianists, curated and led by 2018 Honens Prize Laureate Nicolas Namoradze. Six selected participants will receive personalized feedback in masterclasses and take part in seminars based on Honens’ philosophy of the Complete Artist, including performance psychology, mental training, practice optimization, and mindfulness. Applications open June 17 to pianists residing in Canada.
Other events during the Competition include a Neurorecital performance by 2018 Honens Prize Laureate Nicolas Namoradze (October 15), masterclasses led by Anne-Marie McDermott and Janina Fialkowska (October 18 and 19, respectively), and a recital by 2022 Honens Prize Laureate Illia Ovcharenko before he passes the torch to the 2025 Laureate, followed by a late-night Bison Noir performance by Sir Stephen Hough (October 22). In addition, Honens will host more than 1,200 school children for an educational concert celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Please see below for details.
All tickets are now on sale. For up-to-date information, visit honens.com.
2025 honens INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION: Semifinalists
*ages as of 24 October 2025
Ádám Balogh, 28*
Birthplace: Pécs, Hungary | Studied in: Budapest, Hungary and Hannover, Germany | Resides in: Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian pianist Ádám Balogh made his orchestral debut at the age of 13 with the Budapest Festival Orchestra under the baton of Ivan Fischer. He is the winner of the Second Prize of the Bartók World Competition, and the Fifth Prize of the Sydney International Piano Competition, a Semifinalist of the Honens and Horowitz competitions, and a Quarterfinalist at the Géza Anda and Cliburn competitions.
Ádám is a recipient of the Junior Prima and the Cziffra Festival’s Talent Award, as well as the Junior Tüke Award, given to outstanding young citizens of his home city, Pécs. He previously received scholarships from the Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources and has been awarded the Annie Fischer Scholarship three times. He is also one of the young musicians supported by the Theo and Petra Lieven Foundation.
He is an active performer in important concert halls in Hungary, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czechia, Croatia, the Netherlands, Kosovo, Slovakia, Vietnam, and the United States.
After graduating from the School for Exceptional Young Talents class of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Ádám completed his bachelor’s degree at the same school with Attila Némethy and Gábor Eckhardt. He completed a master’s degree in Hannover with Arie Vardi, as well as in Budapest with Dénes Várjon and Gábor Farkas. Ádám is currently a teacher of chamber music at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, while he finishes his Doctorate degree.
Elia Cecino, 24*
Birthplace: Treviso, Italy | Studied in: Cesena and Stradella, Italy | Resides in: Treviso, Italy
Elia Cecino is First Prize winner of the 2023 Iturbi International Piano Competition (València), where he was also awarded prizes for the best performance of a Beethoven concerto and best interpretation of Chopin’s music. He is also the first prize winner at the New Orleans, James Mottram (Manchester), and Ricard Viñes (Spain) competitions, a laureate of the 17th Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition (Tel Aviv), and Vendome Virtuosi winner.
Elia has performed as soloist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Orchestra del Teatro La Fenice, Louisiana Philharmonic, Simfònica del Vallès, Sinfónica de Galicia, Orquesta de València, Düsseldorf Symphony, Sichuan Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Israel Camerata Jerusalem, Sinfonica di Milano, FVG Orchestra, and Sinfonica Città di Roma.
In addition to being invited to play solo recitals in venues such as Palau de la Música Catalana (Barcelona), Merkin Hall (New York City), Laeiszhalle (Hamburg), Künstlerhaus (Munich), and more, Elia also performs in chamber duos, trios, and quintets regularly. In December 2020, he collaborated with cellist Mario Brunello on the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.
Born in Italy in 2001, Elia began his studies at age nine with Maddalena De Facci. At 17, he graduated summa cum laude from Cesena Conservatory. The following year Elia won the XXXVI Premio Venezia, a competition reserved for the best graduates of the Italian conservatories. Later he studied with Andrzej Jasinski in 2021, achieving a master’s degree at Accademia del Ridotto di Stradella. He is currently studying with Boris Berman.
Carter Johnson, 29*
Birthplace: Campbell River, Canada | Studied in: Vancouver, Canada; and New York City and New Haven, US | Resides in: Hamden, US
Celebrated for his warm stage presence, compelling musical personality, and provocative repertoire choices, Canadian pianist Carter Johnson is known for making classical music speak to all kinds of audiences.
The silver medalist of the 2024 Gina Bachauer Competition, his laurels also include first prizes at the 2023 Concours Hauts-de-France, the 2021 International Competition of Polish Music, the 2020 Valsesia International Competition, and the 2023 Weatherford College International Competition.
Trained in elocution as a teenager, Carter holds an Associate Performance Diploma with distinction in speech and drama from Trinity College London, and he regularly brings this expertise to his recitals. This skill was recognized in the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, where he was awarded the Best Program Presentation in the Semifinal for his program design and verbal introductions.
Born on Vancouver Island, Canada, Carter began the study of piano at age five. He completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of British Columbia, received a Master of Music from the Juilliard School, and continued to the Yale School of Music where he completed a Master of Musical Arts. He is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts at Yale.
Carter resides in Connecticut with his wife, Hannah, and their two young boys, where he maintains a busy schedule as a concert artist, student, and teacher. In his spare time, he and Hannah enjoy cooking together, watching films, and spending time outside as a family enjoying the charms of New England.
Giorgio Lazzari, 25*
Birthplace: Bergamo, Italy | Studied in: Bergamo, Italy and Berlin, Germany | Resides in: Berlin, Germany
Twenty-five-year-old pianist Giorgio Lazzari—top prize winner at International Telekom Beethoven Competition (Bonn) and Robert Schumann Competition (Düsseldorf)—is known and appreciated for his interpretation of German and Austrian classics.
He has extensively performed as a soloist and with orchestra in many European venues, and for renowned festivals such as Klavier Festival Ruhr, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Schumannfest, Beethovenfest, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Vaduz Classic, Società Filarmonica di Trento, Festival Pianistico Internazionale di Brescia e Bergamo, Milano Musica, Amici della Musica di Padova, Kirchheimbolanden Festival, GIA Brescia, Musica Insieme Bologna, Teatro Ponchielli di Cremona, Trame Sonore, and Harmonies en Livradois.
In addition to his solo career, Giorgio is a devoted chamber musician, particularly with violinist Sofia Manvati, with whom he founded the Duo Rodin.
Very interested in contemporary repertoire, Giorgio has had the chance to work with composers such as Stefano Gervasoni, Alessandro Solbiati, and Olivier Cuendet, focusing on their solo and chamber music works. He also performed Solbiati’s Corde e Martelletti at its premiere for the 2019 Trame Sonore Festival (Mantova).
Giorgio is a scholarship holder from the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein where he studied with Pavel Gililov, Claudio Martínez Mehner and Marc Bouchkov - and was recently honoured with the Roscini-Padalino Award by Perugia Musica Classica.
Born in 2000, Giorgio completed his studies at Conservatorio Gaetano Donizetti (Bergamo) under the guidance of Maria Grazia Bellocchio and is currently studying with Kirill Gerstein and Jonathan Aner at Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik in Berlin.
Sandro Nebieridze, 24*
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia | Studied in: Imola, Italy and Munich, Germany | Resides in: Munich, Germany
Sandro Nebieridze embarked on his musical journey at age five at Z. Paliashvili Central Music School in Tbilisi, studying under Neli Imedashvili and Lali Sanikidze. He continued his education at Tbilisi Music Seminary and Tbilisi State Conservatoire, excelling in both piano and composition. He is currently pursuing advanced piano studies at the University of Music and Theatre in Munich and the Fondazione Accademia di Imola with acclaimed professors Antti Siirala and Boris Petrushansky.
An award-winning pianist, Sandro has received top honours at international competitions, including the Grand Prix at the Grand Piano Competition (Moscow) and Second Prize at the Kissingen KlavierOlymp. As a composer, his works—such as Piano Concerto No. 1, Piano Toccata, and Illusionary Tango—have earned recognition in Georgia and abroad.
In 2019, his debut album of Rachmaninov and Prokofiev was released by Harmonia Mundi, winning the Tsinandali Prize and earning an Opus Klassik nomination in 2020. Since 2021, as a scholarship holder of the Lisa Batiashvili Foundation, he has performed widely across Europe, including a standout moment stepping in for Lang Lang at a Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen Christmas concert.
Supported by the Martha Pulvermacher Stiftung since 2024, Sandro is completing his Excellence in Performance degree in Munich. His compositions, including Piano Quintet “Sisyphus,” and chamber ballet Ink Rain, have premiered at prestigious venues such as Konzerthaus Berlin, Dresdner Kulturpalast, and Tsinandali Amphitheater. He has collaborated with orchestras and conductors including Petr Popelka, Olivier Tardy, and Gianandrea Noseda.
Chaeyoung Park, 28*
Birthplace: Yeouido, South Korea | Studied in: New York City, US | Resides in: New York City, US
Chaeyoung Park, First Prize Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and the Mortimer Levitt Piano Chair at YCA, is celebrated for her expressive and thoughtful playing, praised by Gramophone as “a world-class artist on every level.”
Winner of the 2019 Hilton Head International Piano Competition and Finalist at the 2023 Arthur Rubinstein International Master Piano Competition, she has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Morgan Library, Gilmore Rising Stars, Bravo! Vail, and recently debuted with the Celebrity Series of Boston and Shriver Hall in Baltimore. Recent concerto appearances include the Israel Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony. Upcoming highlights include Tippet Rise, the Steinway Society of the Bay Area, and performances with the Kansas City, Knoxville, and Brevard Symphony Orchestras.
An enthusiastic chamber musician, Chaeyoung has collaborated with cellist Zlatomir Fung, the Viano String Quartet, and violinist Anthony Marwood, and participated in Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, Music@Menlo, and Yellow Barn. She holds an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School, where she studied with Robert McDonald, and is a recipient of the Gina Bachauer Scholarship, Kovner Fellowship, and the Arthur Rubinstein and Norman Benzaquen Prizes.
Élisabeth Pion, 29*
Birthplace: Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada | Studied in: Pinerolo, Italy; London, UK; and Montréal, Canada | Resides in: London, UK
An enquiring and innovative artist, pianist Élisabeth Pion leads an imaginative career as a soloist and artistic collaborator. She is an experienced recitalist, a regular guest artist with orchestras in Canada and beyond, an esteemed chamber musician, and award-winning composer.
Over the years, Élisabeth has been awarded many prizes and distinctions, including Second Prize of the 2024 Blanca Uribe International Piano Competition, the Bita-Cattelan Philanthropic Engagement Award at the 2024 Concours musical international de Montréal, the Rosalía de Castro Award at the 2024 Vigo International Piano Competition, and Third Prize of the 2023 Rio Piano Festival.
An alumna of the Imogen Cooper Music Trust and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Élisabeth graduated with a Junior Fellowship, Artist Diploma, and Artist Masters with highest honours.
She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Festival Unisson in Montréal, Canada, an immersive festival drawing inspiration from Marina Abramovic’s The Artist is Present.
Élisabeth’s strong interests in literature, writing, composition, repertoire research, and Tai Chi nurture her musical practice. She now regularly gives Tai Chi workshops to orchestra and audience members, following her concerto performances. She is also involved with the International Liberty Association, which aims at promoting the respect of human rights in Iran and the Middle East, particularly those of women and children.
Anastasia Votonaya, 30*
Birthplace: Togliatti, Russia | Studied in: Moscow, Russia; Madrid, Spain; Como, Italy; and Kansas City, US | Resides in: Madrid, Spain
Hailed as “A Prodigy of the 21st Century” by Musical Life Magazine, Anastasia Vorotnaya is recognized internationally for her captivating performances and extraordinary musical depth. A notable moment in her career came in 2017, when she performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 under the baton of Sir András Schiff, accompanied by the Orquesta de Cámara de la Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía at the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid. This landmark performance not only showcased her technical brilliance but also cemented her place as one of the leading pianists of her generation.
Anastasia has continued to achieve remarkable success, most recently earning Second Prize at the 2024 Vigo International Piano Competition in Spain and being named a finalist and prize winner at the 2023 Iturbi International Piano Competition. These accomplishments follow her triumph at the 2021 Third Vienna Piano Competition, where she took home the Gold Medal, adding to her already impressive repertoire of first prize awards dating back to her childhood.
Beyond the accolades, it is her artistry that captivates audiences, both in her technical precision, profound emotional expression, and ability to connect with audiences.
Anastasia is continuing her artistic development at the prestigious Lake Como International Piano Academy, where she has been a student since 2016. Her dedication to refining her artistry, combined with her natural talent, makes her a compelling and sought-after artist in the classical music world.
Derek Wang, 27*
Birthplace: Newton, US | Studied in: New Haven and New York City, US; Berlin, Germany | Resides in: New York City, US
With virtuosity and “enviable idiomatic rigor” (The Wall Street Journal) at the service of “pure poetry” (Seen and Heard International), pianist Derek Wang is drawing increasing acclaim in the roles of soloist, collaborator, curator, and communicator.
Derek first came to international attention with his performances of Liszt, receiving awards at the 12th Liszt Utrecht Competition in 2022 (Second Prize) and at the inaugural New York Liszt Competition in 2021 (First Prize). A proponent of the music of our time, Derek held a three-summer-long position as pianist of the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble at the Aspen Music Festival. He is presently Creative Enterprise Fellow at Juilliard, where he curates a range of interdisciplinary programs and shares artistic direction of Juilliard Station, a new street-facing performance space.
Derek holds degrees from Juilliard and from the Yale School of Music. His principal teachers have included Sir Stephen Hough, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Matti Raekallio, and Boris Slutsky. He continues his studies at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien in Hannover, Germany in the studio of Arie Vardi.
Yuanfan Yang, 28*
Birthplace: Edinburgh, UK | Studied in: Manchester and London, UK | Resides in: Leeds, UK
Born in Edinburgh and currently based in Leeds, Yuanfan Yang is developing a distinctive voice as both a performer and creator, through a multi-faceted role as a pianist, composer, and improviser.
Yuanfan's repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary music, reflecting his broad musical curiosity. Alongside solo and ensemble pieces, he has composed four full-scale piano concertos, which have been performed in China, France, Russia, and the UK. His concerts often include improvisations based on themes suggested by the audience, creating unique, spontaneous works that highlight his creativity and versatility.
He has been fortunate to receive several awards, including First Prize and the Audience Prize at the Casagrande International Piano Competition (Italy), and Second Prize along with special awards for Best Classical Sonata, Best Romantic Work, and Best Chopin Performance at the Ljubljana Festival International Piano Competition (Slovenia). He also won first prize at the UK International Piano Open Competition. In 2023, he became the first British laureate of the Sydney International Piano Competition in over four decades.
Yuanfan’s debut album, Watercolour, released on Orchid Classics, presents a mix of classical repertoire and original compositions, and was warmly received, earning four stars from International Piano magazine.
The Complete Artist
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a thoughtful interpreter, a consummate collaborator, an awe-inspiring virtuoso, a communicator, a risk-taking explorer.
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a pianist who expresses and interprets ideas from a wide cultural context and keen imagination through performances and programming choices that are informed and seasoned by a fascination for life outside the practice studio.
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an emerging artist whose distinctive voice, versatility, and ease clearly demonstrate the level of preparedness and mastery necessary to embark upon a professional career.
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a leader, teacher, advocate, and citizen artist who is skilled in the business of music, able to recognize and seize opportunities, knowledgeable about self-care, influential in communications, and socially conscious.
The Complete Artist’s interpretations are founded upon the intellectual and emotional understanding of musical text and the ability to synthesize and express such understanding to challenge and stir the listener on multiple levels. This creative awareness stems not only from knowledge of a particular composition itself but from a wider knowledge of related music, of musical literature, and of the arts in general. If the resulting interpretation appears unusual and unconventional, it still appears fresh and natural. Artists taking part in the Honens International Piano Competition must also express—through stage deportment, program design, and interviews—a sensitivity to cultures and a willingness and finesse to communicate effectively with audiences regardless of age, location, background, or degree of musical sophistication.
Events
Neurorecital
with Nicolas Namoradze
Wednesday, October 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Infinity Dome Theatre, TELUS Spark | 220 Saint George's Drive NE
What happens in your brain when you listen to music? Neurorecital rewires the concert experience, blending live piano performance, real-time brain visualization, and cutting-edge neuroscience. Pianist, composer, and 2018 Honens Prize Laureate Nicolas Namoradze—whose background in cognitive science brings a fresh perspective—invites you to find out.
Semifinals I
Thursday, October 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals II
Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals III
Friday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals IV
Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Masterclass I
with Anne-Marie McDermott
Saturday, October 18 at 9:00 a.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to learn from internationally renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott as she shares expert musical insights and personalized feedback with emerging piano artists in an inspiring and educational setting. Free admission with registration.
Semifinals V
Saturday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals VI
Saturday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Masterclass II
with Janina Fialkowska
Sunday, October 19 at 9:00 a.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry of piano performance as revered Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska coaches rising piano artists in a dynamic, interactive masterclass setting. Free admission with registration.
Semifinals VII
Sunday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals VIII
Sunday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals IX
Monday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Semifinals X
Monday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre | 206 University Court NW
Honens Honours
Tuesday, October 21 at 5:00 p.m.
Calgary Petroleum Club | 319 5 Avenue SW
Curtain Call
Illia Ovcharenko in Recital
Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Heather Edwards Theatre, Contemporary Calgary | 701 11 Street SW
Witness a defining moment in the artistic journey of 2022 Honens Prize Laureate Illia Ovcharenko as he returns to the Honens stage for his farewell recital before he passes the torch to the 2025 Laureate.
Bison Noir: Música Callada
with Sir Stephen Hough
Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 p.m.
The Grotto, Contemporary Calgary | 701 11 Street SW
Immerse yourself in the ethereal allure of Bison Noir as the legendary Sir Stephen Hough brings the evocative, intimate music of Frederic Mompou to life in this late-night performance blending artistry and atmosphere.
Oscar
Thursday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre (formerly known as Arts Commons) | 225 8 Avenue SE
A concert for school children, Oscar is a joyful, music-filled journey through the life and legacy of the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson—a 100th birthday celebration blending storytelling, history, and performance to inspire and delight.
Finals I
Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre (formerly known as Arts Commons) | 225 8 Avenue SE
Discover the intimacy and intensity of chamber music at its finest as each of the three Finalists take the stage with the acclaimed Isidore String Quartet, winners of the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition, performing emotionally rich, dynamic piano quintets revealing their depth as collaborative artists.
Finals II & Awards Show
Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre (formerly known as Arts Commons) | 225 8 Avenue SE
Feel the thrill as the three Finalists perform dazzling concertos of their choice with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Elias Grandy. The evening’s excitement continues with the unforgettable announcement of the 2025 Honens Laureates.
Cash Awards
Honens Gold Laureate (one):$100,000 CAD
Honens Silver Laureate (one): $40,000 CAD
Honens Bronze Laureate (one): $20,000 CAD
Semifinalists (seven): $2,500 CAD each
Audience Award (one): $2,500 CAD
Best Performance of Commissioned Work (one): $2,500 CAD
Artist Development Program
Aside from the cash portion of the award, Honens Laureates receive one of the most comprehensive artistic development and career accelerator programs in the world.
Based on a needs assessment and tailored to each Laureate, the program may include debut recitals in career-building markets (i.e. Berlin, London, New York, Toronto, etc.); introductions to artist managers; coaching and mentorship; media training; language skills and the business of music; opportunities to experiment with programming and collaborations for specific audiences; residencies and special projects; and the production, release, and distribution of professional recordings.
THE HONENS LAB
The Honens Lab is an immersive and innovative program for emerging pianists aged 14 to 24, curated and led by 2018 Honens Prize Laureate and 2025 First Jury member Nicolas Namoradze.
Six selected participants from Canada perform in two public masterclasses by internationally celebrated pianists and members of the 2025 Second Jury Anne-Marie McDermott and Janina Fialkowska, and two private masterclasses with Namoradze himself.
In addition, participants engage in three dynamic seminars that explore essential but often overlooked aspects of musical training. Topics include performance psychology, mental training, practice optimization, and mindfulness, offering a holistic approach designed to strengthen both the artistic and mental toolkit of every pianist.
To round out their learning, participants will also attend three Competition Semifinal performances, followed by guided, in-depth conversations to reflect on performances, explore the qualities that define a Complete Artist, and sharpen their critical listening.
Applications open June 17.
About Honens
Honens, home of Canada’s international piano competition, fosters the art of piano performance, identifies and supports outstanding young artists, and sparks and enhances appreciation and understanding of the piano and piano 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.
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