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 Sarah Houston
Sarah Houston is a pianist and multi-instrumental composer hailing from the vibrant city of Calgary. With a passion for weaving melodies that resonate with the heart, Sarah continues to craft her unique sound, blending various genres and influences.
In 2021 Sarah was awarded Classical Recording of the year for her instrumental album ‘In Time’ at Calgary’s YYC music awards. This was subsequently followed by a nomination in 2022 for her solo piano EP, ‘Windshift’. Sarah’s most recent solo piano album, ‘From the Window,’ has garnered over 6 million streams on Spotify alone since its release in 2023. More than anything, Sarah enjoys creating music that her listeners can get lost in — whether it be for studying, meditation, focus, work, reading or sleep.
When she’s not busy writing and recording in her home studio, you can find Sarah exploring Calgary’s music venues, grabbing a coffee at her favourite café, running through the city’s parks and neighbourhood trails, and spending time with her family. Always on the lookout for inspiration, she believes that every experience adds a new layer to her music. Stay tuned for a new album from Sarah, set to be released sometime in 2025.
About Piano 325
Piano 325 is a new National Music Centre exhibition celebrating the 325th anniversary of the piano, opening in time for World Piano Day on March 29.
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.