Beginning tomorrow, international pianists from 12 countries will be competing in the Honens International Piano Competition for a prize valued at more than $500,000, in addition to $100,000 in cash prizes.

Twenty-one pianists from Canada, China, Ecuador/Spain, Hong Kong, Israel, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States will compete during the event.

The competition, beginning October 22 and running until November 6, is one of the world’s most prestigious events of its kind and offers lucrative career development programs. The series includes over 50 concerts including nine free community events.

In addition to its triennial competition, Honens presents its winners on the world’s top concert stages and brings leading international musicians to Calgary for exclusive Canadian performances.

“The Honens competition is one example of how Calgary is becoming known as a top destination for artists to build and develop their careers,” says Terry Rock, President & CEO, Calgary Arts Development. “It’s a reflection of the caliber of Calgary’s arts and culture scene.”