Nova Scotian Peter Allen is one of Canadas most respected and talented musicians. He is known nationally as a concert pianist, composer, conductor and teacher.
As a concert pianist, he has been heard for years on CBC regional and national radio performing solo works, concertos with orchestra, and chamber music. He continues to stay busy performing many concerts, as well as participating regularly with Scotia Festival, The New Brunswick Summer Festival, the Kincardine Music Festival and as soloist with numerous orchestras centered here in the Maritimes. He has recorded two solo cds as well as numerous duo recordings with flautist Patricia Creighton.
As a composer, Peter has fulfilled many commissions. He has written orchestral music: Mar Atlantico, Variations on the Halifax Explosion, a Suite for Clarinet and Orchestra, and the much heralded CBC/SNS commissioned Hurricane Juan Piano Concerto. His much chamber music includes a String Quartet, Scherzo for 4 celli and other string pieces; Haligonian Rhapsody for 2 pianos, Vaudeville for piano 6 hands. His wind music includes Black and Blues for Clarinet and piano, and 2 pieces for flute and piano, most recently a suite called Scenes from Nova Scotia. Other works include music for band, choir, and much solo piano music. His most recent work, Lamentation was premiered in France in April of 2016, a work for clarinet quintet. A concert featuring only his music, will be presented by Cecilia Concert Series on Feb. 12, 2017.
Peter is currently Associate Professor of Piano at Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts. He teaches piano, orchestration, and also conducts the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra.