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Composer

 

Marta Keen Thompson is a renowned American composer and lyricist, best known for her contributions to the world of classical music. Born in 1953 in the small town of Abingdon, Virginia, Thompson grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a very young age. Her father was a music teacher and her mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Thompson began playing the piano at the age of five and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She also began singing in her church choir and soon became a soloist, performing at various events and competitions. As she grew older, Thompson became more interested in composing and began writing her own songs and pieces. After graduating from high school, Thompson attended the University of Virginia, where she studied music composition and theory. She also continued to perform as a soloist and was a member of several choirs and musical groups. During this time, Thompson began to gain recognition for her compositions and was awarded several prizes and scholarships. After completing her studies at the University of Virginia, Thompson moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She worked as a freelance composer and lyricist, writing music for various productions and performances. She also continued to perform as a soloist and was a member of several choirs and musical groups. In the early 1980s, Thompson began to focus more on composing classical music. She wrote several pieces for orchestra and choir, including her most famous work, "Homeward Bound." This piece, which was inspired by the traditional folk song of the same name, has become a staple of choral repertoire and has been performed by choirs all over the world. Thompson's other notable works include "The Seal Lullaby," "Sing Me to Heaven," and "How Can I Keep from Singing?" These pieces have also become popular in the choral world and have been performed by choirs of all levels. In addition to her work as a composer and lyricist, Thompson has also been a dedicated music educator. She has taught music theory and composition at several universities and has conducted workshops and masterclasses for aspiring composers and musicians. Thompson's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has been awarded the ASCAP Foundation Harold Arlen Award, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize, and the American Composers Forum National Composition Contest. She has also been inducted into the Virginia Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. Today, Thompson continues to compose and perform music and is considered one of the most important voices in the world of classical music. Her works have inspired countless musicians and have brought joy and beauty to audiences around the world.

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