Igor Stravinsky’s 1918 work “Soldier’s Tale” unveils the story of a soldier’s meeting with the devil, during which the devil proposes to provide the soldier a magical book that tells the future in exchange for the soldier’s violin.

The work – written for a small ensemble of clarinet, bassoon, cornet, trombone, percussion, violin and bass, with speaking parts for the characters of the narrator, the soldier and the devil – will be performed at 3 p.m. today by Kansas University fine arts faculty at Swarthout Recital Hall.

Voice professor Joyce Castle will play the narrator; Genaro Mendez, assistant voice professor, will portray the soldier; and Jack Wright, theater and film professor, will play the devil. An ensemble of KU faculty members will provide music:

¢ Larry Maxey, clarinet professor

¢ Eric Stomberg, assistant professor of bassoon

¢ Steve Leisring, assistant professor of trumpet

¢ Mike Hall, assistant professor of trombone

¢ Kevin Bobo, assistant professor of percussion

¢ Larry Rice, lecturer in bass and string education

¢ Geoff Yeh, KU music and dance alumnus and guest artist

The conductor will be Peter Chun, associate professor of viola.

The event is free and open to the public.