Two Canadians among semi-finalists for 2025 Honens International Piano Competition
Two Canadian pianists have earned spots in the semi-finals of the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world. Carter Johnson and Élisabeth Pion will take the stage this October in Calgary, joining eight other exceptional young artists from around the globe.
Held every three years, the Honens International Piano Competition is renowned for its emphasis on discovering not just technical virtuosity but what it calls the Complete Artist—a pianist who demonstrates imaginative programming, expressive depth, and the ability to engage audiences both musically and intellectually. The competition offers one of the largest prize packages in classical music: $100,000 CAD for the Gold Laureate, $40,000 for Silver, and $20,000 for Bronze, along with career-building support through Honens' comprehensive Artist Development Program.
This year, 10 pianists aged 24 to 30 were selected from 51 quarterfinalists by a distinguished first-round jury. Their performances and interviews were recorded earlier this year in Berlin and New York. The semi-finalists will now move on to Calgary’s Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall at the Rozsa Centre, where each will present two recitals: one solo program featuring a newly commissioned work by Iranian-Canadian composer Iman Habibi, and a second combining solo repertoire with chamber music alongside Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer.
Meet the 2025 Honens Semi-finalists:
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Ádám Balogh, 28 – Hungary
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Elia Cecino, 24 – Italy
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Carter Johnson, 29 – Canada
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Giorgio Lazzari, 25 – Italy
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Sandro Nebieridze, 24 – Georgia
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Chaeyoung Park, 28 – South Korea
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Élisabeth Pion, 29 – Canada
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Anastasia Vorotnaya, 30 – Russia
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Derek Wang, 27 – United States
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Yuanfan Yang, 28 – United Kingdom
From this international group, just three finalists will be chosen to perform piano quintets with the Isidore String Quartet and then concertos with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Elias Grandy. The final performances take place October 23 and 24, with the 2025 Honens Gold Laureate announced at the conclusion.
Originally from Campbell River, B.C., and now based in Connecticut, Carter Johnson is praised for his engaging stage presence and deeply personal performances. The silver medallist at the 2024 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, Johnson also holds top prizes from international competitions in France, Poland, Italy, and the U.S. With degrees from UBC, Juilliard, and Yale, and currently completing his doctorate, he balances a vibrant performing schedule with teaching and family life.
Known for his eloquence as well as his playing, Johnson frequently incorporates spoken introductions into his concerts—a skill honed through training in speech and drama as a teen. His thoughtful approach to programming earned him a special award for Best Program Presentation at the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition.
Born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec and now based in London, Élisabeth Pion is a compelling performer and creative force. Her artistry blends technical brilliance with intellectual curiosity, and her career spans solo recitals, orchestral appearances, chamber music, and even composition. A winner of major prizes at piano competitions in Montréal, Vigo, Rio, and the U.S., she is an alumna of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Imogen Cooper Music Trust.
Pion is also deeply engaged in artistic and humanitarian projects. She co-founded Montréal’s Festival Unisson, an immersive performance series inspired by Marina Abramović, and leads Tai Chi workshops for musicians and audiences alike. Her advocacy for human rights through the International Liberty Association demonstrates the broader vision she brings to her life and art.
The road ahead
The Honens jury for the semi-finals and finals includes internationally respected pianists Philippe Bianconi, Janina Fialkowska, Anne-Marie McDermott, Roberto Plano, and Awadagin Pratt, alongside arts leaders Jenny Bilfield of Washington Performing Arts and Leila Getz of the Vancouver Recital Society.
Winners will receive not only cash prizes but also tailored professional development, media training, mentorship, international performance opportunities, and the production and release of high-quality recordings.
The 2025 Honens International Piano Competition will run from October 16 to 24 in Calgary, Alberta.