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Ramona Luengen is a Canadian composer and choral conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1960 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Luengen grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. She later studied music at the University of British Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting. Luengen's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of J.S. Bach, and she often incorporated elements of Baroque music into her works. Her first major composition, "Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis," was written in 1985 and premiered by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. This piece, which is based on the biblical texts of Mary's song of praise and Simeon's prayer of thanksgiving, showcases Luengen's skill at writing for choral ensembles. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Luengen continued to compose choral works that were performed by choirs across Canada and the United States. One of her most notable works from this period is "Ave Maria," which was commissioned by the Vancouver Chamber Choir and premiered in 1992. This piece, which is based on the traditional Latin prayer to the Virgin Mary, features lush harmonies and soaring melodies that have made it a favorite among choral groups. In the early 2000s, Luengen began to explore new musical styles and techniques in her compositions. She became interested in the music of Eastern Europe and began incorporating elements of Balkan and Slavic folk music into her works. This can be heard in pieces like "Bogoroditse Devo," which is based on a traditional Bulgarian folk song and was premiered by the Vancouver Chamber Choir in 2003. Another significant work from this period is "Requiem for Peace," which was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and premiered in 2005. This piece, which is dedicated to the victims of war and violence, features a large choir and orchestra and incorporates texts from various religious and philosophical traditions. In addition to her work as a composer, Luengen is also an accomplished choral conductor. She has served as the conductor of the Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Phoenix Chamber Choir, and has led numerous other choirs and ensembles throughout Canada and the United States. Her expertise in choral music is evident in her compositions, which often showcase her understanding of the capabilities and limitations of choral ensembles. Luengen's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has received the Canada Council for the Arts' Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award for excellence in music composition, as well as the British Columbia Choral Federation's Elmer Iseler Award for choral composition. Her works have been performed by some of the world's leading choral ensembles, including the King's Singers and the National Youth Choir of Canada. Today, Luengen continues to compose and conduct music, and her works are regularly performed by choirs and orchestras around the world. Her contributions to the world of classical music have helped to expand the boundaries of choral music and have inspired countless musicians and composers.

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