Nick Peros

Who is Nick Peros?

Nick Peros is a Canadian classical composer with an extensive catalogue of works that includes symphonic, orchestral, choral, vocal and chamber genres. His compositions are notable for their original tonality and harmonic invention and have received wide acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

A virtuoso guitarist with an extensive background in rock, blues, classical & Eastern music, Peros has been composing exclusively classical concert music since 1987. His earlier works were primarily for solo and chamber ensembles, and songs for solo voice & piano. Since then he has composed in virtually every genre, with a number of his works receiving a high international profile. In 1992 Peros composed his symphony Isumataq, for full orchestra and choir, as part of an artistic collaboration with Canadian painter Ken Kirkby. Kirkby’s painting, Isumataq, was the world’s largest painting on canvas measuring 152 feet by 12 feet and is a portrait of the high Arctic landscape. Peros’ symphony Isumataq was composed as an independent work based on the theme of the Canadian north, using the north as a metaphor and symbol for deeper, spiritual issues. The Isumataq project was recognized by the Canadian government in March 1993 as a work important for Canada and Canadian culture – a special ceremony was held in the Canadian Parliament, House of Commons to pay homage to Isumataq and was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the Speaker of the House, the Party leaders and the Members of Parliament.