CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – There was an orchestral “petting zoo” in the Mass Communications building at Austin Peay State University Sunday afternoon, featuring flutes, trumpets and other wind instruments. Sponsored by Planters Bank, the petting zoo was part of the educational opportunity presented by the Gateway Chamber Orchestra to introduce audiences of all ages to the instruments used to perform classical music.

Following this introduction, the audience was taken on a trip around the world through the breath-taking music performed by Grammy Award-winning flutist Rhonda Larson. From the big skies of Montana to the coast of Nova Scotia, with stops in China, Africa, Spain, Romania, and Ireland, Larson delighted the audience with original melodies such as “Peregrine” and “The Way of the River” as well as 16th century pieces and traditional hymns.

Playing on nearly a dozen different flutes collected during her travels, Larson took her audience along on her journeys, sharing stories as she paused between pieces to explain the history of the songs and instruments. From a traditional flute, to a simple plastic flute, to a pan flute and one made of bamboo, the songs played by Larson kept the audience fascinated. Introducing a new piece which she named “Reverence,” Larson both sang and played the flute simultaneously. The audience’s rousing response assured her that she should continue to share the haunting melody.

Larson’s diverse music has led to opportunities for her to serve as a musical ambassador for the United States to South Africa, where she shared the stage with Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. She has performed with Eileen Ivers, the famed Celtic fiddle player of the “Riverdance” troupe. She has recorded flute music for the CBS television series, “Survivor,” and played for the live finale from Madison Square Garden in an episode seen by over 40 million viewers.

Larson’s visit to Clarksville will conclude on Tuesday, April 28, with a concert with the APSU Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Gregory Wolynec. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Mabry Concert Hall, on the campus of APSU.

To learn more about Rhonda Larson, visit her website.