Evan Mounce

Music Director and pianist Evan Mounce is known for his versatility, deft sight-reading skills, and ability to bring out the best of the singers he coaches. As a vocal coach Evan worked closely with k.d. lang, preparing her for her 25th anniversary tour of Ingénue across Canada. He enjoys a close association with Calgary Opera as répétiteur and Cowtown Opera as Music Director, and as choral accompanist with Cantaré Children’s Choir and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.

While primarily a self-taught pianist (“Piano for Dummies”, circa 2003), Evan holds a Masters of Music from the University of Toronto in saxophone performance. Further piano studies include Opera on the Avalon, St. Andrew’s by the Sea Opera Workshop, the Vancouver International Song Institute, the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, and Opera NUOVA. In 2015, Evan got serious about formal lessons and continues studies with Kathleen van Mourik.

Like most music nerds, Evan has a “cool record collection” and loves hunting for vintage classical vinyl. He admits to an obsession with stationary – refreshing, in this online world. His favourite artistic collaboration is with his wife, soprano Laura Brandt, and may soon include their son Elliot who just turned 2!

Getting to know Evan:

What is the most unusual place you have every visited?
The Torrington Gopher Hole Museum - I just went there with my parents and it was a weird and wonderful experience. . .

If you weren’t doing what you do today, what other job would you have?
I might be a social worker, or a lawyer. I think of myself as compassionate, creative, and logical and I think those traits would serve me well in those careers.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would spend it cruising the Danube river. I have done it before and would love to go back again. Maybe cycling along the Danube pathways. . .