Celebrate 325 years of piano history at Studio Bell with performances by pianists from Calgary and beyond, featuring iconic instruments from the National Music Centre’s collection in the new Piano 325 exhibition.
About Esteban Herrera
Esteban Herrera is an internationally renowned pianist and composer, recognized for his distinctive style and contributions to contemporary jazz. Based in Calgary, he leads the Esteban Herrera Trio, a group that blends piano, double bass, and drums to create original contemporary world jazz. He also heads the Esteban Herrera Quintet, which incorporates trumpet and saxophone and is set to release a new album this year.
Esteban holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Music Performance, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences, and a technical degree in piano. With 13 albums released, he was nominated for the Juno Awards in 2022 and won a YYC Music Award in 2023, with another nomination in 2024. He is also a voting member of the Latin Grammys.
With a 30-year career as a professional pianist, Esteban excels as a performer, composer, arranger, director, and producer of his own albums. He has been a music teacher for over 15 years, focusing mainly on piano. His international experience, having lived in Spain, Germany, Mexico, and Canada, has deeply influenced his musical vision and style. In 2024, he toured across Canada, performing at major jazz festivals nationwide.
About Piano 325
Piano 325 is a new National Music Centre exhibition celebrating the 325th anniversary of the piano. Over three centuries, the piano — shaped by the innovations of countless builders and manufacturers — has remained one of the most important and versatile instruments in music, influencing nearly every genre and artists from Beethoven to Elton John.
Piano 325 spotlights the stories of the builders and manufacturers who played key roles in the instrument’s evolution and lasting impact on music. The exhibition will feature renowned names like Broadwood & Sons, Erard, Heintzman & Co., and Steinway & Sons, alongside lesser-known pioneers like Johannes Zumpe. A rotating selection of rare and historic instruments from NMC’s collection will also be showcased, including an 1899 Broadwood grand piano.