Nancy Dahn and Timothy Steeves have been performing as Duo Concertante since 1997. (photo courtesy Duo Concertante)

Duo Concertante, a husband-and-wife musical team that has toured internationally, has won a top award from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.

Violinist Nancy Dahn and pianist Timothy Steeves won the artist of the year award at Saturday night's ceremony, held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Dahn and Steeves, who both teach at Memorial University's music school, have performed as Duo Concertante since 1997.

The ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the awards, and was the first time the honours were presented in Labrador.

Emcee Seamus O'Regan, co-host of CTV's Canada AM, told the audience that the value of the arts cannot be overestimated.

"As much as I love the oil, and I do, and the hydro, it is the arts that is our greatest treasure and it will see us through thick and thin," said O'Regan, who grew up in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

St. John's writer Chad Pelley, whose debut novel Away from Everywhere was published in October, was honoured as emerging artist.

Des Walsh, a poet and screenwriter, was honoured for arts achievement.

Wallace Hammond, who has been involved in the Newfoundland and Labrador music scene since the 1970s, was honoured as patron of the arts.

Holyrood-based photographer Mannie Buchheit was honoured for his work with arts education.

"We actually elevate our society, we elevate our culture, and it pays it back," Buchheit said while accepting his award.

Veteran St. John's author Helen Fogwill Porter and Labrador music group the Flummies were inducted into the Arts Council's hall of honour.