Experience the Convergence of Arts and Science at I³R

Photo Submitted

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) at the U of A is hosting a one-of-a-kind musical experience in a first-time collaboration with RefleXions Music Series.

“Marimba in the Americas” will take place from 3-5 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the brand new I³R advanced research facility at 793 W. Dickson St. The program is open to the public. Parking is available in Harmon Parking Garage. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

This distinctive event will showcase internationally acclaimed ensembles Marimba Sol de Chiapas and PerCombia in their debut performances on the U of A campus.

Audiences will be enchanted by the rich, melodic tones of the marimba woven throughout various pieces. Ranu Jung, I³R founding executive director and associate vice chancellor, and Lia Uribe, RefleXions director and associate dean for arts and humanities in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, will reflect on the profound impact of music on well-being and health.

Marimba Sol de Chiapas, directed by John Currey, is North America’s premier professional Mexican marimba ensemble, renowned for its authentic performances and cultural storytelling that bring the vibrant traditions of Chiapas to life.

PerCombia Trio is a research collective dedicated to creating musical literature for percussion based on the folk music of Colombia, also known as the “The Land of a Thousand Rhythms.”

Members include Héctor Tascón, percussionist and researcher at Universidad del Cauca and at the Antonio María Valencia Conservatory; Fernando Valencia, percussionist and faculty member at the U of A; and Wilson Tovar, professor of percussion at the Conservatorio Adolfo Mejía.

"The marimba, with its rich history, serves as a bridge between cultures, traditions and generations,” said Valencia, a U of A instructor. “RefleXions Music Series fosters community through music, and this collaboration with I³R highlights how the marimbas in the Americas can connect people across time and place. Through performances by Marimba Sol de Chiapas and PerCombia Trio, we celebrate its evolving role in contemporary music—demonstrating the power of music to create a positive social impact."

As a public research institute within the U of A System, I³R practices “convergence” research that brings together multiple disciplines along with community and industry partners to solve complex problems facing the world today.

I³R works across the spectrum of integrative health, covering research and innovations that support health and converge science and humanities. Projects like these fulfill the institute’s mission to advance discovery, support economic development and deploy solutions at scale to make a societal impact.

“We are honored to collaborate with RefleXions as a partner for this one-of-a-kind musical experience,” Jung said. “At I³R, we pursue discoveries that connect people to healthier futures — a mission that extends beyond science to the humanities. Music sparks creativity, fosters unity and, like innovation, thrives on collaboration. I³R is the ideal setting for this performance, where music, culture and technology come together to inspire new ideas and meaningful connections.” 

About the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R): Established through a transformational gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research at the University of Arkansas pioneers solutions to wicked problems through convergence research across academic, industry, government, and non-profit sectors to make a positive societal impact by creating and deploying innovations at scale. Learn more at i3r.uark.edu.

About RefleXions Music Series: RefleXions Music Series is a celebration of music, musicians, and audiences. It nurtures creativity by offering opportunities for reflection, learning, growth, change, and teaching. Through engaging performances and thoughtful conversations, we aim to connect with audiences of all backgrounds and create meaningful musical experiences. This project is made possible by a RefleXions Chancellor’s Grant for the Arts and Humanities and the University of Arkansas Department of Music.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.