Celebrate 325 years of piano history at Studio Bell with performances by pianists from Calgary and beyond, featuring iconic instruments from the National Music Centre’s collection in the new Piano 325 exhibition.
About Ian Robertson
Ian Robertson is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia but has made Calgary home since 2012. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Music in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario. He has performed and taught in Belgium, Holland, China, Dubai and the United States, as well as closer to home for musical theatre companies like Stage West Theatre, Storybook Theatre, Calgary Actors Studio, and Morpheus Theatre. Most recently, he was the winner of the 2021 Honens Pro-Am Piano Competition held at the Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University.
About Piano 325
Piano 325 is a new National Music Centre exhibition celebrating the 325th anniversary of the piano. Over three centuries, the piano — shaped by the innovations of countless builders and manufacturers — has remained one of the most important and versatile instruments in music, influencing nearly every genre and artists from Beethoven to Elton John.
Piano 325 spotlights the stories of the builders and manufacturers who played key roles in the instrument’s evolution and lasting impact on music. The exhibition will feature renowned names like Broadwood & Sons, Erard, Heintzman & Co., and Steinway & Sons, alongside lesser-known pioneers like Johannes Zumpe. A rotating selection of rare and historic instruments from NMC’s collection will also be showcased, including an 1899 Broadwood grand piano.