Dr. David Peters, a longtime supporter of Memorial’s School of Music, has established the largest scholarship endowment ever given to Memorial’s School of Music.

The Dorothy and David Peters Scholarship in Music consists of three renewable full tuition scholarships in musical performance, given to the student who displays the best aptitude, ability and passion for concert performance.

Violinist Dominic Greene was awarded the inaugural scholarship at a gala concert held Wednesday, Nov. 30.

A dentist by profession, Dr. Peters and his late wife Dorothy have been involved with the School of Music in numerous ways since its inception in 1975. In 2004, Dr. Peters donated a 1919 Pilat violin to the school. The instrument became the genesis of the Prestige Quartet – a set of concert-calibre instruments that students compete for the privilege of playing for an academic year.

“It is the vision, support and leadership of donors such as Dr. David Peters that has enabled Memorial’s School of Music to develop a national reputation for education, performance and research,” said Dr. Ellen Waterman, director of the School of Music. “It is thrilling to be able to reward the passion which drives young artists to excellence in musical performance.”

Several members of the faculty performed at the gala concert, including Duo Concertante (Nancy Dahn and Timothy Steeves), pianists Maureen Volk and Kristina Szutor, soprano Jane Leibel, flautist Michelle Cheramy, trumpeter Aaron Hodgson, cellists Vernon Regehr and Nathan Cook, and organist Stephen Candow. School of Music alumnus pianist Andrew Coffin accompanied Mr. Greene’s performance.

In his speech, Dr. Peters said he hoped his gift would allow students to perform the work of the great masters to audiences in the province and beyond, "from Cappahayden to Kapuskasing to Copenhagen.” It is a sentiment reinforcing his philosophy of philanthropy begetting philanthropy. 

“When winners of this scholarship graduate from university, they will have far greater options in regards to going on to higher things, such as preparing for a career as a performing artist,” said Dr. Peters.  “The Dorothy and David Peters Scholarship in Music is designed to ease the financial burden now and in the future.”