About
Ian Parker (born January 11, 1978) is a Canadian classical pianist.
Ian Parker is a distinguished Canadian pianist and conductor, celebrated for his dynamic performances and engaging presence. Born into a family of pianists in Vancouver, he began his musical journey at the age of three under the guidance of his father, Edward Parker. Immersed in an environment rich with musical instruction, with pianos in nearly every room of their home, Ian's early exposure laid a solid foundation for his future career. Parker pursued formal education at The Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, studying under Yoheved Kaplinsky. During his time at Juilliard, he was honored with the Sylva Gelber Career Grant by the Canada Council for the Arts, recognizing him as an exceptionally talented Canadian artist. Throughout his career, Ian Parker has performed with leading orchestras across Canada, including the Toronto, Quebec, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Calgary symphonies, as well as the Orchestre Métropolitain. In the United States, he has appeared with the San Francisco, Cincinnati, National, Santa Barbara, Richmond, and Honolulu symphonies, among others. His recital highlights feature venues such as Lincoln Center, UCLA, and UBC, along with collaborative appearances at the Hawaii International Music Festival and New York City's Morgan Library. In addition to his work as a pianist, Parker serves as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the VAM Symphony Orchestra at the Vancouver Academy of Music. He is also the Artistic Director of the Resonate chamber music series at the Kay Meek Arts Centre in North Vancouver. His discography includes recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra, featuring works by Ravel, Stravinsky, and Gershwin, as well as an all-fantasy solo album encompassing pieces by Chopin, Schumann, and Beethoven. Ian Parker's contributions to the classical music scene are marked by his technical proficiency, interpretative depth, and a genuine passion for engaging audiences. His ongoing endeavors as both a performer and conductor continue to enrich the cultural landscape.