RIVER FALLS – An upcoming musical performance at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will celebrate the university’s music faculty and the beautiful grace of butterflies. 

The Butterfly Concert is an enchanting celebration of live music that will feature a diverse repertoire performed by soloists and ensembles from the UWRF music program. The performance is part of the Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series. 

The concert is scheduled for noon on Friday, Feb. 28, in Abbott Concert Hall in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building, 420 Cascade Ave., River Falls. The event is free and open to the public. 

Faculty musicians include Ivan Konev and Ji Young Lee, piano; Joseph Hagedorn, classical guitar; Patrick O’Keefe, clarinet; and Momoko Tanno, soprano. All selections will highlight the depth and versatility of the university’s music program and celebrate works inspired by butterfly themes.

Attendees can expect a mix of classical and contemporary performances from famed Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, who created the Madame Butterfly opera. This event includes a Madame Butterfly costume performance by Tanno.

Performances will feature the work of composers including Chopin, Albanese, Schumann, Catan and Giuliani. Artistic photos taken by Julie Brown will be shown. 

“We are excited to share this special concert with the community,” said Kris Tjornehoj, professor emeritus at UWRF. “The Butterfly Concert is a celebration of musical artistry and collaboration and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable afternoon of music.”

This concert is inspired and supported by Mary Ella Jerome through the Jerome Family Fund.

For more information, contact Tjornehoj at Kristin.tjornehoj@uwrf.edu.

Submitted by UW-River Falls