Music without borders: KU Wind Ensemble makes mark on global stage at World Expo 2025

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble has returned from a successful international tour to Osaka, Japan, where it represented the United States at the 2025 World Exposition — one of the world’s largest global events, welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

At the invitation of the U.S. Department of State, the KU Wind Ensemble performed three major concerts as part of the cultural programming for the Expo. The tour included two joint performances with students and faculty at Osaka University of the Arts, where KU students spent two days rehearsing and collaborating closely with their Japanese counterparts, forging international connections through a shared commitment to musical excellence.

The ensemble also performed a Fourth of July concert on its own at the Expo’s USA Pavilion, featuring a program of American music in honor of Independence Day. On June 30, one of the Wind Ensemble’s performance days, the Expo broke a daily attendance record with more than 177,000 visitors.

The KU Midway Brass Quintet also gave a featured performance at the Expo, further showcasing the depth of talent within the School of Music.

"This was an extraordinary experience for our students—artistically, culturally and personally," said Paul Popiel, dean of the KU School of Music and conductor on the tour. "Performing on a global stage like the World Expo and collaborating with international peers underscores the power of music to bridge cultures and create lasting bonds."

Three KU vice provosts were also in attendance, further emphasizing KU’s institutional commitment to global engagement and cultural diplomacy.

The KU Wind Ensemble’s tour was made possible with support from the U.S. State Department, the KU Office of International Affairs, the USA Pavilion at the Expo, donors and KU Endowment.

For more information on the KU Wind Ensemble and its international performances, visit the School of Music website. To support KU Music at international festivals and competitions, please visit KU Endowment.