English 
French As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Indra Egan, a pianist and a vocal coach based in Vancouver. Among her multiple musical activities, she produces and performs in epilepsy awareness concerts.
This post presents the resources that she mentioned during the conversation.
Indra Egan’s official website
Praised for her expressivity and “impressive command of the keyboard” (Prince George Citizen), Persian-Canadian pianist and vocal coach Indra Egan is thrilled to be a Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist with Vancouver Opera for their 2023/24 season. Indra holds a M. Mus. in Collaborative Piano from the University of Toronto, where she studied with Steven Philcox and won the Gwendolyn Koldofsky Prize in Accompanying. Originally from Northern BC, Indra received her B. Mus. in Piano Performance at the University of Manitoba as a student of David Moroz and Laura Loewen, followed by post-bacc studies in jazz piano with Will Bonness. Indra’s versatility and dynamic approach to music-making make her a sought-after collaborator; she has worked across Canada in many styles and genres.
Vancouver Opera’s Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program
In 2012, VO launched the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program. Made possible through a gift from the family of Yulanda M. Faris, the program engages, enriches, mentors and trains rising young Canadian opera artists and offers a bridge between formal academic educational programs and the professional world in a supportive and encouraging environment. The Young Artists Program provides artists – singers, pianists and stage directors – with the opportunity to train with industry leaders through master classes, one-on-one coachings and performance opportunities as part of a residency program.
Read more about the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program
Unshakeable: An Epilepsy Awareness Concert 2021
Indra has founded, produced and performed in three “Unshakeable” epilepsy awareness concerts. “Unshakeable: An Epilepsy Awareness Concert” (2021) was virtual and live-streamed for the first time, and received an overwhelmingly supportive cross-Canada response. The event was promoted by CBC and Epilepsy Canada, and cited over 2000 views in its first week. The concert features singers and instrumentalists from across Canada who come together to share their talents in support of epilepsy awareness. These musicians perform in a variety of styles, including jazz, classical, opera, and musical theatre. The closing virtual group number is performed by over 80 singers.
Watch “Unshakeable: An Epilepsy Awareness Concert”
Stay tuned with Indra
Indra Egan’s musical satire website, with a focus on classical music.
Liz Upchurch
Pianist, vocal coach, and pedagogue Liz Upchurch is currently in her 25th season as Music Director of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals. There, she has now trained a generation of Canadian artists. She is a recipient of Canada’s prestigious Ruby Award for her outstanding contribution to the world of opera. She is legally blind.