"A Golden Thread Will Find You" was commissioned by Western Division ACDA for their March 2026 conference "A Tapestry of Voices." In 1986, Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten captured enduring truths about kindness, responsibility, and shared humanity—“Share everything,” “Play fair,” and “Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.” These simple principles continue to guide how we live together. That same spirit shapes A Golden Thread Will Find You, commissioned

ArtieVox, the a capella and jazz vocal ensemble at Scottsdale Community College, was invited to sing at the AMEA conference in January 2026. Directed by Kira Zeeman Rugen

American Prize Pops Division Honorable Mention Finalist for composition "I Live for Joy"

Commissioned by Reveille Men's Chorus in celebration of their 30 year anniversary. Song composed - "The Home Where I Sing Out Proud"

Commissioned by the Chandler Children's Chorus directed by Aimee Palmer Stewart, “Per Aspera Ad Astra” is women taking their potential to the stars!

Commissioned by Troy Meeker for this beautiful Honor choir made up of AZ singers in the central region.

Kira Rugen sang soprano on this lovely Album released by the Phoenix Chorale

"I Return to the Circle," commissioned by the Phoenix Children's Chorus, directed by Troy Meeker is about how choir is always a home, no matter how far you roam.

Commissioned by the Chandler Children's Chorus Ad Astra, Directed by Aimee Palmer Stewart, this piece about finding joy was performed as a part of the Western Division ACDA Conference "Many Voices One Song" in March 2024.

Commissioned by Jonathan Gregoire for a recital at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Plano Texas. The Calling is about listening to the inner voice that tells us to follow the path of joy, truth and discovery.

Kira Rugen's arrangement of "Wexford Carol" is included on this endearing album sung by the Phoenix Chorale.

Carrie Tennant and the Vancouver Youth Chorus perform the Canadian premiere of "Windows" as a part of the "Her Voice" composition competition.

Premiered by the Phoenix Chorale concert A Chorale Christmas, this version of Coventry Carol is SSATB unaccompanied. Though challenging, is deeply satisfying to sing. The interwoven rhythmic melodies and fresh harmony are exciting to perform, and this piece is an audience favorite.

Winner of the 2022 “HerVoice” competition and mentorship program for emerging women composers.

Kira Rugen sings soprano solos on the first and third movement of this lovely motet for a capella treble voices and Native American flute.

Dr. Karsten Longhurst, director of the Northwest Oklahoma State University Singers commissioned Kira Rugen for the work "To the Wonder" for their performance at the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference January 2022.

For Mezzo Soprano and Piano Text by Georgia Douglas Johnson Commissioned and sung by Dr. Kathleen Ruhleder for the recital "American Women Composers" in March 2023 Collaborative Pianist: Adam Vincent Clay

Commissioned by the Phoenix Chorale for their concert "Rebirth, Reflection and Renewal" this piece weaves together different Phoenix tales from different cultures, inspired by nature and Arizona’s desert beauty.

Solis - Choir of the Sun, directed by Kira Zeeman Rugen performs on the Pinnacle Presbyterian Concert Series for "Soundscape to Humanity." Collaborators include the Phoenix Children's Chorus and Scottsdale Community College Concert Choir.

In this film, Vemer reveals what happened when his ability to play his beloved viola was taken away. Kira Rugen scored this documentary to enhance the viewer's enjoyment of Vemer's classical style images but also to point out which instrument is highlighted within the rich and ethereal paintings.

Commissioned by The Choral Project directed by Daniel Hughes.The piece's text is written by Charles Anthony Sylvestri. "The Eternal Spark," by Kira Rugen, was performed as a world premiere and featured in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁's 2022 virtual concert, 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 is conducted by Artistic Director and Founder Daniel Hughes.

Directed by Carolyn Eynon, this group commissioned Kira Rugen for a work with children's chorus and adult chorus. This text of "Hold On" by Nancy Wood, expresses the deep hope we have as humans. That we can 'hold on' even under the most challenging circumstances, we are resilient, loving and can stand tall through the wind like a 'tree which stands by itself."

Directed by Herbert Washington, the Phoenix Boys Chorus premiered this version of "Coventry Carol" as a part of their Christmas program.

In 2021, Kira Zeeman Rugen won 3rd place in the American Prize for her work "Desert Sky Songs". This was for the composers division, choral shorter work category.

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, directed by Dr. Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler premiered "Nearer My God To Thee." I have found that its timeless melody and encouraging text, filled with promise, represent a beacon of hope in a world that isn’t always so uplifting. This newly imagined, melodic, and harmonically modal approach to this beloved hymn paints the text as a human outcry, pleading for God’s understanding and love.

Commissioned by Vox Musica and Directed by Dr. Daniel Paulson. "Desert Sky Songs" was premiered as a part of their program RUMI: A Film & Music Concert. It went on to win 3rd place in the American Prize, Choral Short Form.

Commissioned by Goulven Airault, St. Breiuc France (Brittany) for the Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Brieuc Cathédrale on their annual St. Cecilia's Day celebration.

Directed by Dr. Tom Peterson, the Flagstaff Masterworks Chorale Commissioned Kira Rugen for the work "Earth Teach Me" for their concert "To Love This Earth."

In celebration of the 200 year anniversary of the carol, Silent Night, the Phoenix chorale directed by Charles Bruffy commissioned Kira Rugen for this version of the classic melody