Calgary’s cultural calendar is about to get even more exciting as the Honens Festival returns from September 5 to 8, 2024. This year’s edition promises a vibrant mix of musical performances, with the piano at the heart of it all. Over four days, the festival will offer something for everyone, from classical music enthusiasts to families looking for accessible and engaging cultural experiences.
A Diverse Lineup of Musical Talent
The Honens Festival has always been known for its stellar lineups, and 2024 is no exception. This year’s festival features a diverse array of talented musicians, each bringing their unique style and flair to the stage. Among the performers are 2022 Honens Prize Laureate Illia Ovcharenko, both in a solo recital and alongside Honens Artistic Director Jon Kimura Parker; Carmen Morin of Morin Music Studio; and Zhenni Li-Cohen, Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Alberta, all of whom will showcase the province’s rich musical talent.
For the first time, the Festival will feature piano students from the University of Calgary’s School of Performing and Creative Arts, along with the Mount Royal University Conservatory, as the opening acts for 176 Keys.
The festival will also feature the dynamic WindSync wind quintet, a group celebrated for its contemporary approach to classical music. With a repertoire that blends classical, pop, rock, and jazz, WindSync is known for its ability to connect with audiences in fresh and exciting ways.
A Festival for Every Audience
One of the festival’s greatest strengths is its ability to cater to a wide range of audiences. This year’s programming includes everything from intimate solo recitals to lively outdoor concerts, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.
The festival kicks off on September 5 with 176 Keys, a high-energy performance at CF Chinook Centre, showcasing the most fun, exciting, and upbeat classical music repertoire. The excitement continues on September 6 when 176 Keys moves to Stephen Avenue Walk for a second performance, featuring Illia Ovcharenko, Jon Kimura Parker, Carmen Morin, and Zhenni Li-Cohen in this fan-favourite and highly anticipated event. And In case you're curious about the name 176 Keys, it's because four pianists play on two pianos, which together have a total of 176 keys!
On September 6, Illia Ovcharenko, the 2022 Honens Prize Laureate will present a solo recital. His program, Beethoven Three Ways, will feature renditions of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 by Corigliano, Schumann, and Liszt.
For those who enjoy the atmosphere of a late-night cabaret, the festival offers Bison Noir—Centenary in Blue on the evening of September 6. This Jazz Age-inspired concert, featuring WindSync and pianist Jon Kimura Parker, will transport audiences to the iconic Birdland jazz club with its mix of classical and jazz influences.
Inclusive and Family-Friendly Events
Families and those seeking accessible performances will find much to love in Classical Adaptations, a concert designed to be inclusive of neurodiverse and disabled audience members. Presented by WindSync at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church on September 7, and again at Evan Hazell Theatre at YMCA Seton on September 8, this event offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy live music in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to classical music in a relaxed and unrestricted setting.
For those who love outdoor concerts, the ever-popular Open Air performances return again this year. On September 7, Central Memorial Park in Calgary will host the first Open Air concert, followed by a second performance on September 8 at George Lane Memorial Park in High River. These free concerts offer a relaxed and informal way to enjoy world-class music in beautiful outdoor settings.
Celebrating New and Beloved Works
In addition to its diverse programming, the Honens Festival is also a platform for new music. This year, audiences will be treated to the Calgary premieres of works by composers Miguel del Aguila and Nicky Sohn. A special highlight of the festival will be a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, arranged for piano and wind quintet by Reinhard Gutschy, in celebration of the piece’s 100th anniversary.
With a lineup that includes not only these premieres but also beloved works by Beethoven, R. Schumann, Corigliano, and Poulenc, the festival promises a musical journey that spans genres and eras, offering something for every taste.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit honens.com/2024.
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