About
Peter is a multi-talented Canadian musician and composer hailing from the vibrant music scene of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. With a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Dalhousie University, Peter is not just a musician. He’s a versatile artist who blends his classical training with a deep passion for folk and singer-songwriter genres. Peter’s musical repertoire knows no bounds. Whether he’s strumming his guitar, playing the trumpet, or composing a beautiful melody, his talent is both diverse and captivating. His ability to seamlessly transition from one musical style to another is a testament to his versatility and dedication.
You can find Peter on any given day playing music at some of Halifax’s most iconic locations like The Old Triangle, The Maxwell’s Plum, The Loose Cannon, or even sailing on The Tall Ship Silva! He also welcomes any opportunity to share his love for music with smaller groups of folks, be it a private event or wedding.
Peter has composed scores for musicals, had choral pieces performed by the Toronto Children's Opera, and won recognition in the Nova Scotia Choral Federation's Young Composer's Competition. His passion for film scoring remains unabated, and he continues to captivate audiences with his performances on the Halifax waterfront.
When he’s not on stage or in the studio, you'll find Peter exploring the great outdoors, hiking, climbing, and camping. Even in the wilderness, he serenades friends around the campfire, proving that music is an integral part of his life, no matter where he is.
Listen
Singer songwriter
Follow Peter on Youtube and Instagram to listen to his original and cover songs.
Peter has sung and played guitar since the age of nine and has been hooked since. He was inspired early on by musician Dallas Green of the band City and Colour, whose soaring voice, beautiful melodies, and complicated stories resonated with him. Growing up, he was also surrounded by the music of The Beatles, Queen, Elton John, and folk artists such as James Taylor and Bob Dylan. Peter currently takes influence from artists such as The Lumineers, Fleet Foxes, and Joel Plaskett. He most enjoys performing folk/alternative music and combines all these musical influences into his songwriting. Keep an eye out for new original music from Peter!
Oliver James - Fleet Foxes
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Nowhere With You - Joel Plaskett
Cleopatra - The Lumineers
Shows
The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
January 2 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Gahan House/ halifax
January 8 | 7:00-9:00 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
January 10 | 10:00-1:00 am
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Private Event/ Halifax
January 13 | 8:30-10:30 pm
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The Kings Arms Commons/ Wolfville
January 16 | 7:00-11:00 pm
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The Old Triangle/ Halifax
January 17 | 5:00-8:00 pm
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
January 23 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
January 23 | 9:30-12:30 am
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The Loose Cannon/ halifax
January 24 | 10:00-1:00 am
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The Old Triangle/ Halifax
January 28 | 8:00-11:00 pm
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
January 30 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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The Maxwell’s Plum/ halifax
January 31 | 10:00-1:00 am
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Spitfire Arms Alehouse/ Windsor
February 6 | 7:30 - 10:30 pm
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Gahan House/ Halifax
February 12 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
February 13 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
February 14 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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The Maxwell’s Plum/ halifax
February 14 | 10:00-1:00 am
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The Kings Arms Commons/ Wolfville
February 20 | 7:00-11:00 pm
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Coldstream Clear distillery/ dartmouth
February 21 | 2:00-5:00 pm
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The Old Triangle/ Halifax
February 24 | 10:00-1:00 am
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
February 27 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
February 28 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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Bent Ridge Winery/ Windsor
March 6 | 6:00-8:00 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
March 6 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Coldstream Clear distillery/ dartmouth
March 7 | 2:00-5:00 pm
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Propeller Tap Room/ dartmouth
March 8 | 3:30-5:30 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
March 13 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
March 14 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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The Loose Cannon/ halifax
March 21 | 10:00-1:00 am
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The old Triangle/ Halifax
March 27 | 5:00-8:00 pm
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The maxwell’s plum/ halifax
March 27 | 9:30-12:30 am
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Harbourstone Marriott/ Halifax
March 28 | 5:00-7:00 pm
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The old Triangle/ Halifax
March 29 | 8:00-11:00 pm
Original Compositions
Peter had the opportunity to study under Jérôme Blais during his undergraduate program at Dalhousie who ignited his love for classical music. During this time he honed in on his theory skills and the complex intricacies of orchestration.
Peter has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to compose music for Symphony Nova Scotia, the mixed-chamber ensemble Latitude 49, The Nova Scotia Choral Federation and the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus.
“Everything we listen to today has derived from classical music. Be it pop, rock, jazz, or anything in between; its foundation is rooted in classical music. I love classical music because of its infinite ability of expression. Any feeling or emotion can be emulated through music; orchestral music is my favourite medium for that expression.”
Peter’s musical inspirations in this regard are composers such as Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Richard Strauss, Gustav Holst, Phillip Glass, and film composer John Williams.
Media
in the news
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Mrs. Dayna Ellis and Rothesay Netherwood School alum, Peter Fillman ’16, are the creative talents behind Left To Their Own Devices, a musical written by Mrs. Ellis with an original score composed by Peter. A workshop production of the musical, a modern adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing (Mrs. Ellis’s favourite Shakespearean play), was performed by Senior School Drama students in the Théâtre Susan B. Ganong in June. The show addresses the problems of miscommunication, cyberbullying, and cellphone addiction in teens through comedy. A fully-staged version of the play will be performed at RNS from February 22nd to 24th, 2024 and at the 2024 NB DramaFest next May.
Click here for the story from the Rothesay Netherwood School Alumni Magazine, The Hill.
Learn how this duo teamed up and took an idea from script to stage, in their own words! -
Halifax-based composer Peter Fillman has been selected by the jury as the winner of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s 4th Young Composer’s Competition for his composition See How Low the Moon Hangs. In addition, the NSCF is pleased to share that the jury also selected an honourable mention for the competition; Peregrina by composer Cameron Slipp. Both pieces will be premiered by the Nova Scotia Youth Choir, conducted by Christina Murray, as part of the NSYC’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.
