photo by: University of Kansas

The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble performs at the Lied Center.

The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble will be representing the U.S. at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, in late June and early July, according to a news release from KU.

At the World Expo, musicians from KU will play independently and alongside musicians from the Osaka University of the Arts, the release said. The 10-day program will feature pieces from American composers such as Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, Florence Price, James Barnes and George Gershwin, and the joint concerts with Japanese musicians will include selections from both American and Japanese musical traditions.

The tour will also include a special July 4 performance spotlighting American compositions, the release said.

“Our participation in the World Expo is a tremendous honor and a powerful example of how music can transcend borders,” said Paul Popiel, dean of the KU School of Music and conductor on the tour. “This is a rare opportunity for our students to engage with international audiences and create lifelong artistic partnerships.”

Among the featured soloists on the tour will be KU faculty trumpet professor Steve Leisring, clarinetist Richard Galbreath and KU’s Midway Brass Quintet.

The tour is made possible with support from the U.S. State Department, the University of Kansas Office of International Affairs, the USA Pavilion at the exposition and support from KU Endowment, the release said.