Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain to perform April 17

After 40 years, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are still thrilling audiences with their all-singing, all-strumming, full throttle, foot-stomping concerts. (photo credit: Leisa Rea/Viola Farrington)

Known for their high-energy performances, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will bring their internationally acclaimed show to Decorah at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Performing everything from classical works to rock and pop favorites, the ensemble uses only ukuleles and vocals to create a technically impressive and highly entertaining performance.

“Celebrate the start of an April weekend in Decorah by spending a few hours at the CFL on Friday, April 17, with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. “Their selections will range from ABBA to ZZ Top, Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, bluegrass to Broadway, so I’m confident every person in attendance will find something enjoyable about the experience.”

Tickets for the performance can be purchased at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.

The lighthearted ensemble brings more than 40 years of musical experience to the stage. Formed in 1985 initially as a one-off project, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has earned a global following for its witty stage presence and genre-bucking way of defying expectations.

The ensemble previously performed at Luther College in 2013 and 2019.

The ensemble’s 2026 touring line-up features Peter Brooke Turner on soprano ukulele, Ben Hales on baritone ukulele, Ben Rouse and Laura Currie on tenor ukuleles, Leisa Rea on concert and sopranino ukuleles, Guy Hargreaves on concert ukulele, and Laurie Higgins on bass ukulele. Though the group uses the word “orchestra” in its name, it is not a formal, traditional ensemble, but rather a group of seven musicians performing a wide variety of familiar songs across genres with humor and personality.

Before the performance, treat yourself to dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person.

The meal begins with black mission fig compote topped with fresh mozzarella and spread on a crispy crostini. The main entree is a slice of roasted stuffed pork loin with caramelized onions, spinach, dates and orange zest served with whipped sweet potato and caramelized fennel with parsley. Dark chocolate trifle is the featured dessert.

Dietary accommodations are available upon request.

Bar service will be available in the lobby during the scheduled 20-minute intermission.

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