CEDAR FALLS -- The newly renovated and expanded University of Norther Iowa Russell Hall School of Music reopens Friday with a "Carnaval" atmosphere.

That's the theme of the 27th annual Scholarship Benefit Concert. Concertgoers will begin their evening in the Great Hall at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, then move to Russell Hall for a post-show reception and music in three new performances spaces.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with world-renowned opera soprano and UNI alum Sheri Greenawald performing with the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra with the UNI Singers, Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers, also will present choruses from Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." Greenawald has performed internationally and throughout the United States, including the Metropolitan Opera.

Nick Lane, a Los-Angeles based trombonist and Marshalltown native, will perform. He has shared the stage with Rod Stewart, the Who, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Chicago and Frank Sinatra.

The Wind Symphony will perform, featuring faculty artist Randy Grabowski and his students, as well as the Northern Iowa Flute Choir and faculty pianists Sean Botkin and Genadi Zagor will both offer solo performances and a piano four-hands piece.

Post-concert reception music will feature Jazz Band One, Randy Hogancamp and students on Taiko drums, Northwind Quintet, Tuba Quartet, the UNI Opera Ensemble and the Chamber Singers.

Scholarship benefit concerts have been raising funds for exceptionally talented music students and students in need since 1982.

"The school has been fortunate to recruit the best students in Iowa who continue to make us proud," says John Vallentine, UNI School of Music director and music professor, and he praises the school's faculty for "not only being great performers but excellent teachers."

On Saturday, a 5 p.m. School of Music Alumni and Friends Banquet in the McElroy Lobby of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. "Carnaval II: Alumni & Friends" concert in Bengtson Auditorium at Russell Hall. A reception is planned after the concert.

Performances will feature the UNI Faculty String Quartet joined by guest pianist Matt Bengtson. Bengtson, a Harvard University and Peabody Conservatory-trained artist, has made several national appearances, including a performance with Joshua Bell on NPR. Sheri Greenawald will make her second appearance, performing with Emeritis pianist Marleta Matheson.

Faculty artist trio Randy Grabowski, trumpet, Chris Buchholz, trombone and Bob Washut, piano, will perform. UNI Jazz Band alumni will return and perform together. The ensembles will include members from across the country.

Individual tickets for the scholarship benefit concert are $40 each. Tickets for the alumni and friends concert are $10 each. Tickets may be purchased by calling 273-4849 or 877-549-7469, online at www.unitix.uni.edu or at the GBPAC box office.