Enjoy an evening at Studio Bell as part of the 2026 Honens Festival, featuring an inspiring program of music and artistry.
6 pm
Pre-Concert Chat
Topic: The importance of connecting with audiences from the perspective of becoming a Complete Artist
Speakers: Carter Johnson, Jon Kimura Parker, and Nicolas Namoradze
7 pm
Concert
Experience a piano masterpiece … reimagined. Known for performances of imagination, intensity, and individuality, 2025 Honens Gold Laureate Élisabeth Pion returns to Calgary with Frédéric Chopin’s Études Op. 25. This time, she presents the piece with a poetic and fiery twist—interspersed with works of shimmering reflections and bold clarity from other composers.
After the concert, hop across the street for Bison Noir: Revisions in Real-Time at 9 pm at the historic King eddy!
Program
FRANZ SCHUBERT / FRANZ LISZT Der Müller und der Bach
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN Etudes Op. 25
No. 1 in A-flat Major "Aeolian Harp"
No. 2 in F minor "The Bees"
No. 3 in F Major "The Horseman"
No. 4 in A minor, "Paganini"
HÉLÈNE DE MONTGEROULT Etude No. 26
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN Etudes Op.25
No. 5 in E minor "Wrong Note"
No. 6 in G-sharp minor "Thirds"
FRANZ SCHUBERT / FRANZ LISZT Auf dem Wasser zu singen
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN Etudes Op. 25
No. 7 in C-sharp minor "Cello"
No. 8 in D-flat Major "Sixths"
No. 9 in G-flat Major "Butterfly"
FRANZ SCHUBERT / FRANZ LISZT Erlkönig
FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN Etudes Op. 25
No. 10 in B minor "Octave"
No. 11 in A minor "Winter Wind"
No. 12 in C minor "Ocean"
LOUISE FARRENC Etudes (selections)
About Honens
So many piano competitions, so little time. Canada’s Honens Competition, however, may be on to something.” —The New Yorker
Honens, home of Canada’s international piano competition, cultivates piano artistry, supports remarkable young artists, and inspires a richer understanding of the piano and its 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.