Canadian Pianist Élisabeth Pion Triumphs at the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition In a stirring finale that captured the attention of audiences across the globe, Canadian pianist Élisabeth Pion has been crowned the Gold Laureate of the 2025 Honens International Piano Competition. The 29-year-old Montréal-born musician won over both jury and audience alike with performances that embodied Honens’ vision of “the complete artist” — one who combines formidable technique with artistry, imagination, and emotional intelligence. As the new Honens Gold Laureate, Pion receives CAD $100,000 in prize money and a three-year Artistic Development and Career Accelerator Program valued at more than $500,000 CAD — one of the most significant awards of its kind worldwide. She also took home the Audience Award, worth an additional $5,000. A Triumphant Win for Canada Pion’s victory holds special significance as she becomes one of the few Canadians in history to win the Gold Laureate title on home soil. In the final rounds, she delivered César Franck’s Piano Quintet in F minor with the Isidore String Quartet, followed by a powerful interpretation of Sergey Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 alongside the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Elias Grandy. Her playing was praised for its clarity, expressive range, and profound sense of connection. “It has been a thrilling experience to witness the full breadth of each artist during the final rounds,” said Amanda Smith, President & CEO of Honens. “Élisabeth demonstrated exceptional artistry and a deeply human approach to performance that perfectly reflects our values. We are honoured to welcome her to the Honens family.” Celebrating All the Laureates Joining Pion among the 2025 Honens Laureates are two outstanding finalists: Carter Johnson (29, Canada/USA) — Silver Laureate, receiving $40,000 CAD Anastasia Vorotnaya (30, Russia/Spain) — Bronze Laureate, receiving $20,000 CAD, as well as the Best Performance of a Commissioned Work by Iman Habibi ($5,000 CAD) Both Johnson and Vorotnaya impressed with their artistry, individuality, and commitment to the competition’s demanding artistic standards. Johnson, originally from Vancouver Island, is known for his nuanced interpretations and academic insight as both performer and scholar. Vorotnaya, now based in Madrid, was celebrated for her poetic expressiveness and fearless musicianship. The three pianists emerged from a field of 51 international competitors, chosen from 149 entries. After rigorous quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, they advanced to the final performances in Calgary, where their artistry was evaluated by an esteemed international jury featuring Philippe Bianconi, Jenny Bilfield, Janina Fialkowska, Leila Getz, Anne-Marie McDermott, Roberto Plano, and Awadagin Pratt. The Honens Legacy: Beyond Competition Founded in 1991 through the generosity of Calgary philanthropist Esther Honens, the Honens International Piano Competition has grown into one of the world’s leading showcases for emerging pianistic talent. The competition seeks musicians who exemplify the philosophy of the “Complete Artist” — those who combine technical mastery with creativity, intelligence, and an awareness of music’s broader cultural role. Beyond its prestigious cash prizes, Honens is unique in its three-year career development program that provides laureates with mentorship, concert engagements, media training, residencies, and professional management introductions. This holistic approach ensures that winners like Pion can transition successfully from competition stages to lasting international careers. Élisabeth Pion: A Rising Star of Canadian Piano Born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Élisabeth Pion has already established herself as one of Canada’s most promising pianists. She has performed with major ensembles including the Orchestre Métropolitain, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. Her growing list of honors includes the 2nd Prize at the 2024 Blanca Uribe International Piano Competition, the Rosalía de Castro Award at the Vigo International Piano Competition, and the 2018 Shean Piano Competition in Edmonton — a milestone that led to her recognition in CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.” Pion studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama under Ronan O’Hora, and has worked with eminent mentors including Imogen Cooper, Benedetto Lupo, and Ricardo Castro. She is also co-founder and co-artistic director of Festival Unisson, a chamber music festival based in Quebec that fosters collaboration among young Canadian artists. Her upcoming recording of Ravel’s Concerto in G major with the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières and conductor Alain Trudel will be released in 2025 — a fitting continuation of her ascent as one of Canada’s brightest artistic voices. Honens’ Global Impact The 2025 competition reaffirmed Honens’ role as a global leader in supporting and nurturing pianists of exceptional talent and vision. As Élisabeth Pion embarks on her three-year Honens journey, she carries not only the hopes of a nation but also a renewed sense of what it means to be a complete artist in the 21st century. Her triumph, alongside the remarkable artistry of Carter Johnson and Anastasia Vorotnaya, marks a celebration of musical excellence, creativity, and the enduring power of the piano to unite audiences around the world. Élisabeth Pion’s win is more than a personal victory — it’s a shining moment for Canadian artistry on the international stage.