A Brandon University (BU) professor is a finalist for the TLN Media Group Top 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians awards.
Luis Ramirez, a Mexican-Canadian composer who was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, is an Assistant Professor of Music Theory in BU's School of Music. Ramirez is also a BU alumnus, having studied piano with Alexander Tselyakov and composition with Dr. Patrick Carrabré.
Ramirez is one of 25 finalists, with online voting taking place until Tuesday, Sept. 30 at TLN.ca/top10/. His contest biography notes that he is "renowned for his vibrant, rhythmically intricate textures and evocative soundscapes that blend Mexican folklore with cinematic storytelling." His works have been performed by orchestras such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Orquestra Sinfónica Nacional de México, Calgary Philharmonic, Edmonton Symphony and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Ramirez is one of two Manitobans among a list of finalists that include leaders in business, politics, community, education and the arts. TLN has recognized more than 160 recipients since the inception of the Top 10 awards in 2007, with this year's winners to be honoured at a gala in Toronto in October.
Recently, another BU professor was recognized for his accomplishments since coming to Canada, as Dr. Aloysius Anyichie of the Faculty of Education was a recipient of a Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award.
