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Larysa Kuzmenko is a Ukrainian-Canadian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. She was born on August 10, 1956, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Ukrainian immigrant parents. Her parents were both musicians, and they encouraged her to pursue music from a young age. Kuzmenko began playing the piano at the age of five and started composing music when she was just eight years old. Kuzmenko's parents recognized her talent and enrolled her in the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where she studied piano and composition. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Music degree from the University of British Columbia. Kuzmenko's music is heavily influenced by her Ukrainian heritage, and she often incorporates Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms into her compositions. She has also been influenced by the works of other composers, including Stravinsky, Bartok, and Shostakovich. Kuzmenko's compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Kiev Chamber Orchestra. She has also been commissioned to write works for various organizations, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Canadian Music Centre, and the Ukrainian Art Song Project. One of Kuzmenko's most notable works is her opera, "The Golden Ass," which is based on the novel by Apuleius. The opera premiered in Toronto in 1999 and was later performed in Kiev, Ukraine. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it helped establish Kuzmenko as a major figure in the world of classical music. Kuzmenko has also composed a number of choral works, including "Golden Harvest," which was commissioned by the Elmer Iseler Singers and premiered in 2001. The piece is based on Ukrainian folk songs and features a mix of traditional and contemporary choral techniques. In addition to her work as a composer, Kuzmenko is also a respected music educator. She has taught at a number of universities and conservatories, including the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, and the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has also served as a guest lecturer and conductor at various institutions around the world. Kuzmenko has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 2002, she was awarded the Order of Princess Olha by the President of Ukraine for her work in promoting Ukrainian culture. She has also been awarded the K.M. Hunter Music Award, the Louis Applebaum Composers Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Toronto. Overall, Larysa Kuzmenko is a highly respected composer and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her works are known for their incorporation of Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms, and she has been recognized for her ability to blend traditional and contemporary techniques.

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