Irene Besse Keyboards Ltd. – the music store she owns and runs - is one of the most successful in Canada. It not only is one of the biggest retailer of fine pianos from all over the world, but a one-stop-shop that encompasses anything and everything that has to do with the instrument – from sales, to repair, restoration and maintenance, to music lessons and even a performance hall.

Despite having two locations in the city now, Irene herself thinks that they are still a small operation, but what they have accomplished in nearly four decades in the business is nothing short of astounding.

“We’re the only music store of its kind in the world,” she says. “We offer a comprehensive range of services all under one roof, starting from helping our clients find a piano. We have an in-house service that nobody else does, we have a subsidiary that deals in music sheets, we also offer complete education at our academy with over 600 pupils and 20-plus teachers and a 300-seat concert hall where students and the greater musical community have the opportunity to perform.”

The company itself is an institution in the Calgary arts and culture scene, the development of which has always been a primary goal for Irene, who has always been big on supporting the community.

The gift of sharing
“My mother always told me that gifts must be shared or you will lose it, and that has guided me through my life,” says the doting grandmother, who also spends most of her free time painting and working in her garden.

The company is deeply involved in a wide range of community projects, including presenting free concerts, serving on many boards, working with seniors and mentoring teens, to name a few.

Her support for the community, she says is its own reward, but the community it seems finds ways of showing its appreciation for her efforts with the numerous plaques and awards she has received from several local and international institutions over the years. The latest one is the Honens Honours, which will be presented to her on November 3 at a fundraising gala. Among the special guests is Ron Losby, President of Steinway & Sons Musical Instruments Inc. New York.

The Honens Honours pays tribute to individuals and organizations whose dedication to the arts, like Esther Honens before them, have made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life of all Calgarians. “It is a great honour, especially because the Honens International Piano Competitions is something I have been involved with since it began in 1992.”

Local legend
Long-time Calgarians would probably know her more as the organist for the Calgary Flames during the 1980s. She was also the first to play live organ music at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Community involvement may have been the single most important key to the company’s success, and how they have been able to thrive even through tough economic times, including this last recession. “Business has been very difficult these past few months, but we have been through this cycle three times now and we are well positioned to survive this one too,” she says, pointing out 80 per cent of their business comes from referrals.

She never has been content to rest on her laurels, however, and continues to strive to improve her business. The company is embarking on an ambitious project to partner with Artevo Artist of the World and combine music and fine art into a fruitful fusion, essentially creating the city’s first music store and art gallery combination.

“We are renovating our show room this fall and bringing in music-themed art from Artevo. Art and music are a natural fit,” she says.

Many may think that Calgary’s Western heritage gets in the way of its cultural growth, but Irene firmly believes one is not mutually exclusive of the other. “Calgary is known for its Western roots, and it is a heritage we should be proud of,” she says, adding that this cowboy legacy actually complements the city’s cultural scene. “We have many ranchers and cowboys in town who appreciate and support classical music, operas and the fine arts.”

So far, her rise to fame and fortune has been a fairy tale story. Starting with the little girl from St. Albert, Alberta, who practiced on a cardboard keyboard because her family couldn’t afford a real piano, to the woman that has carved a name for herself in the cultural fabric of the city.

It is just in her nature that she credits much of her success to her family and staff that have supported her throughout. “I love what I’m doing, I love the people I work with, every day is a blessing when you are able to make a living doing what you love.  Opening your heart to music is the greatest lifetime gift you can give yourself.” NL

For more information visit http://www.irenebesse.com