STU professor up for ECMA

Fine arts professor Steven Peacock’s Duo Cantilena has been nominated for classical album of the year in the upcoming East Coast Music Awards. (Tom Bateman/AQ)

A St. Thomas University professor might be bringing an East Coast Music Award back to campus.

Fine arts professor Steven Peacock’s music duo, Duo Cantilena, has been nominated for the upcoming awards. The duo’s latest album, The Green Bushes: Dances, Airs & Lullabies, is nominated for classical recording of the year.

“The nominations are juried and the nominated projects this year are all very strong, so we’re pleased that ours is among them,” said Peacock.

Peacock has been teaching guitar performance and music theory since 2007. His duo partner, Sally Wright, who is based out of Moncton, has been principle flute for Symphony New Brunswick for over 10 years.

As a professor, Peacock said the reaction on campus has been extremely supportive and excited.

“We’ve had lots of congratulations from our colleagues, students and friends here at STU.”

The ECMAs have traditionally been an excellent outlet for underground East Coast music to make itself known to the public and award artists for their hard work in a competitive industry.

“It’s true that the ECMAs are largely devoted to more commercial forms of musical expression,” said Peacock. “The nomination is still helpful as we negotiate concert bookings in and beyond the Atlantic region for next year and down the road.”

With his St. Thomas community behind him, Peacock and Wright are looking forward to the annual awards ceremony, which takes place April 15 in Moncton.