CALGARY, AB, January 9, 2018—The Esther Honens International Piano Competition Foundation is pleased to announce that Jon Kimura Parker has assumed the role of the organization’s Artistic Director. Mr. Parker’s appointment was first made public in March of last year.
“My history with Honens dates back to the inception of the competition; I was on the inaugural Honens jury in 1992, and performed privately for Esther Honens that year,” Mr. Parker comments. “She loved piano music, and would be so happy to know that her gift has brought so many fine young artists to Calgary, and that her legacy is felt throughout the musical world.”
Mr. Parker is a veteran of the international concert stage, with multiple solo appearances in the Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, London’s South Bank, the Sydney Opera House, and the Beijing Concert Hall, Jon Kimura Parker continues to perform to great acclaim. In 2016, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, and this past May was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He was invested as an Officer of The Order of Canada in 1999.
“I am thrilled to assume the position of Artistic Director at Honens,” continues Mr. Parker. “My career started from winning the CBC Young Artists Competition and The Leeds International Piano Competition. I’ve served on juries from Honens to Cliburn, and I prepare my students at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University for competitions every year. One of the things I love most about a piano competition at the level of Honens is that it inspires young artists to outdo themselves. When I was in my twenties and preparing for competitions, I was terrified of the high standard around me and I always managed to work harder than ever before.
“We have a brilliant team in place to ensure Honens’ continued stature in the international music community and I look forward to building on its commitment to quality and artistry.”
Mr. Parker is available for further comment at [email protected].
