Circumpolar Music Series

03/19/2026

🎶 A Powerful Voice Across the North: Thank you to Dr. Susanne Rosenberg for an extraordinary Circumpolar Music Series presentation exploring the tradition of kulning. Her performance examples and scholarship brought this unique northern vocal practice to life in a truly unforgettable way.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in person and online for such an engaged and meaningful event.

📹 A recording will be available in approximately one week. UAF students may request access through Dr. Sean Dowgray.

03/19/2026

Experience the Sound of the North: Join us for the next event in the Circumpolar Music Series featuring renowned Swedish vocalist and scholar Dr. Susanne Rosenberg.

This special presentation explores kulning, a traditional Scandinavian herding call developed in the mountain regions of Norway and Sweden. Known for its powerful, high-pitched sound that can carry across vast landscapes, kulning reflects the deep connection between people, place, and sound in northern cultures.

Through live demonstration, video, and discussion, Dr. Rosenberg will share the history, technique, and cultural significance of this remarkable vocal tradition.

🗓 Thursday, March 19
⏰ 10–11 a.m. AKST
📍 Schaible Auditorium, UAF
💻 Join on Zoom: https://alaska.zoom.us/j/86018436460

✨ Free and open to the public

The Circumpolar Music Series highlights artists and scholars whose work reflects the diverse musical traditions of the North. We hope you’ll join us.

11/16/2025

On Saturday, November 15th, The Iñu-Yupiaq Group performed in the White River State Park Indianapolis, IN for the Percussive Arts Society’s (PASIC) 50th Anniversary. This also celebrated Iñu-Yupiaq’s 30th anniversary. Following, the UAF Percussion Group performed John Luther Adam’s “Inuksuit”alongside 140 other percussionists.

10/22/2025

Did you know that the Iñu-Yupiaq Dance Group is partnering with the UAF Percussion Group to present at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention’s (PASIC) 50th anniversary with Alaska song, dance, and drums?

Inu-Yupiaq will kick off the Saturday November 12th performance in Indianapolis, Indiana, followed by the UAF Percussion Group partaking in a performance of John Luther Adam’s momentous work, “Inuksuit.”

Help us raise travel funds for Iñu-Yupiaq by stopping by their Frybread Fundraiser THIS FRIDAY, 10/24 11-1pm in the Brooks Building Gathering Room!

Questions? Email Dr. Dowgray at [email protected]

Inu-Yupiaq Dance Group is fundraising to travel to the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in November. Please come by the Gathering Room Oct. 24th between 11am-1pm.

$20 for taco & drink and $10 for frybread.

10/01/2025

Through the passion and generosity of Catherine Madsen, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Circumpolar Music Series has connected cultures, generations and communities through the power of Arctic sound.

In just two seasons with funding from the Catherine Madsen Circumpolar Ethnomusicology Support Fund, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has brought more than 20 performances and workshops to Fairbanks, drawing artists and audiences from across the circumpolar North and creating connections that extend well beyond the stage.

Read the full story in UAF's Aurora Magazine: https://www.uaf.edu/aurora/archives/fall-2025/fondness-for-alaska-leads-to-a-melodic-legacy.php

From left, Sean Dowgray, Catherine Madsen and Jaunelle Celaire (UAF Department of Music) stand on the Davis Concert Hall stage. UAF photo by Sarah Manriquez, UAF College of Liberal Arts.

09/04/2025

08/29/2025

Almost one year ago, Wildshore New Music performed at UAF for the first time in a decade as part of their annual Alaska tour. We are excited for them to return on October 5th at 4pm to perform for Fairbanks again.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=84N2Gj1Kmws&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMd6A1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHu4W2MS1sxaL1VJ_-xWMbqqsZv3PGTBY7UVX8JiVmWYmzibksyx9sQJGFXfI_aem_kFUlDdH4PQ_djqcd4mhoXA

Photographer David Pexton captures Wild Shore New Music’s 11th season in Homer, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, Alaska, as founders Andie Tanning, Conrad Winslow, ...