The Honens International Piano Competition is a triennial classical piano competition held in Calgary, Canada that awards prizes in piano performance. In addition to monetary awards, the top prize winner receives access to a career development program that includes concert engagements, a recording, management, and a Banff Centre residency.[1][2] It is the world's wealthiest piano competition.[3]
Founding
In 1991, Esther Honens, a Canadian philanthropist, entrepreneur, and amateur pianist, created a $5 million endowment to host an international piano competition in her hometown of Calgary.[4] She died shortly following the first competition in 1992.[5]
Competition format
Fifty quarterfinalists are chosen from a pool of applicants. Ten of these are chosen as semifinalists at rounds held in New York[6] and Germany. These are then narrowed down to three finalists[7] who complete for a monetary awards and a three-year career development program[8] that includes artist management, international orchestral performances,[9] production of professional recordings, and mentorship opportunities.
During the competition, contestants collaborate in performances with other musicians in chamber and vocal settings and concerto performances, in addition to playing self-programmed solo recitals, and participate in individual filmed interviews.[10] Juries include representatives of music management and the recording industry as well as active concert pianists.[11] Competitors are encouraged to showcase themselves and their own artistry.[12]
Since 2014 the Competition has expanded to include a festival taking place in a variety of indoor and outdoor Calgary venues each year.[15][16] The Honens Festival and Piano Competition earned a White Hat of the Year award from Tourism Calgary in 2015.[17]
Laureates
The Honens International Piano Competition named between three and five Laureates up to and including its 2009 competition. Starting in 2012, it switched to a sole Prize Laureate system.[11]
