Students, faculty, and alumni from the UNO School of Music participated in the 40th anniversary Flower Festival this year, with solo performances by members of the UNO flute studio (Grace Dixon, Claire James, Dr. Christine Beard and guest flutist Madison Booth), as well as UNO jazz piano major, Katie Ramos. Later that same afternoon, UNO’s Heartland Flute Choir (conducted by Beard) performed a concert of music based primarily on myth and legend, including “Greek Tableau” by Alexandra Molnar-Suhajda, “March of the Trolls” by Edward Grieg, “The Phoenix” by Nicole Chamberlain, as well as an original work by Omaha-based composer James-Michael Sellers entitled “Winter Fantasia” and a beautiful arrangement of a well-known hymn tune, “Abide With Me” by Kelly Via.

The annual Flower Festival, sponsored by the Cathedral Arts Project, brings residents of the Midwest some of the best in the visual and musical arts all under the roof of one of the most unique and spiritual structures in the Midwest, Omaha’s Saint Cecilia’s Cathedral. This year’s theme was “Let There Be Light,” combining the aesthetic genius of over a dozen local floral designers in displays filling the landmark cathedral with fresh-cut flowers. Curated by Omaha artist James Pierson, professional designers explored a wide range of aesthetic, symbolic, and spiritual responses to the visible and conceptual aspects of light.

For photos and more details about the annual CAP Flower Festival, visit www.cathedralartsproject.org and visit the UNO Flute Studio page on Facebook.