Jane Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico where she graduated summa cum laude, with distinction in 1992. She was a double major in Music Performance (Piano) and Religious Studies. As an undergraduate she was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges, and the Golden Key Honor Society. She was the first recipient of the UNM Friends of Religious Studies Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

Ms. Ellen has received annual awards from ASCAP since 1990 and has won national and local composition competitions. She has received commissions from numerous State and National organizations and has composed works for a wide variety of ensembles including chamber orchestra, choir, piano, violin, cello, woodwind quintet, string trio, voice, and various other chamber ensembles. With more than 30 published works and a catalogue of over 300, Jane is already a prolific composer.

Images of Rome is a three-movement work for piano solo. The movements are meant to reflect predominant characteristics of the Eternal City and are entitled "Light," "Water" and "Pink." Albuquerque pianist Susan Landers will premiere this work on the Friday evening concert on November 10. Jane Ellen has previously written two other suites for piano depicting impressions of New York City (Gotham Suite) and the Cornish Coast of England (Spirits of Cornwall).