Lia Uribe, University of Arkansas assistant professor of bassoon, attended the International Double Reed Society conference in Tokyo, Japan, from Aug. 14-19. The International Double Reed Society meets annually to highlight the research and creative projects of oboists and bassoonists from all over the world.

At her recital, held Aug. 19, she presented the pieces for clarinet, bassoon and piano "Retratos de Macondo" by Venezuelan composer Adina Izarra, and premiered "Tango Trio" by Uruguayan-American composer Miguel del Aguila. Uribe was joined by Joshua Gardner of Arizona State University and pianist Mayumi Yamagishi.

Uribe also played a recital sponsored by the Embassy of Colombia in Japan at the Shinagawa Cultural Center on Monday, Aug. 17. Izarra and Del Aguila pieces were included in the program, along with the world premiere of Miho Sasaki's "El Puente" for bassoon and piano (written for this occasion), pieces by Colombian composers Johan Hassler and Jorge Humberto Pinzon (also written for Uribe) and other Latin-American classical repertoire for bassoon.

Uribe's trip to Japan was made possible by the Connor Endowed Faculty Fellowship. She is one of 13 Connor Faculty Fellows for 2015.

Robert and Sandra Connor of Little Rock established the Connor Endowed Faculty Fellowship in 2004 to provide essential faculty development opportunities to rising academic experts in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Annually, a college committee including the dean recognizes assistant professors who have made excellent contributions to the college and their departments. The award is used to facilitate travel, expand research initiatives and support classroom activities.