Many people wouldn't draw comparisons between bassoons and African sculptures, but the Palmer Museum of Art is hoping to bridge the gap with this afternoon's Art of Music event.

"The arts are really all interconnected," said Joyce Robinson, the Palmer curator. "Art, music and theater are all in the College of Arts and Architecture, and we encourage interdisciplinary programs. This is a way to bring music into the galleries."

Today's event will feature music from the Double Reed Ensemble, a group that is composed primarily of School of Music students.

Some people might view Palmer as solely an art gallery -- which as of this week will be exhibiting traditional works from Central and West Africa -- but Robinson noted the benefits of also including music.

Events like Art of Music get different people in the doors of the museum, Robinson said. The Art of Music series has been offered the third Wednesday of every month at Palmer for a couple of years, she added.

Daryl Durran, an associate professor of music and a director for the Double Reed Ensemble, understood the reasoning behind offering a concert in an art gallery.

"It brings people in who wouldn't normally come and widens the clientele," he said.

The selections of music were more limited last semester, as the performers were all chosen to coordinate with the theme of baroque art, Robinson said.

"This semester, we're far more open," she added.

The Double Reed Ensemble usually gets a mixed crowd of students and faculty for its concerts, said Tim Hurtz, an associate professor of music and another director for the Double Reed Ensemble.

"The Palmer has the same mix, especially since it'll be a walk-in concert," Hurtz said.

Robinson said the Double Reed Ensemble has never played at an Art of Music event. This fits one of the Art of Music goals: to give performance opportunities to as many on-campus groups as possible, she said.

Another goal is simply to provide a learning experience to the crowd, Robinson said.

"The performers -- particularly if it's a professor -- sometimes talk about their pieces and give demonstrations of different techniques," Robinson said. "For example, one time, we watched the choir warm up."

Durran said people who attend the concert will have the opportunity to hear many double reed instruments, such as the oboe-d'amore, English horn and bassoon.

The concert will offer music from the Renaissance era to the 20th century, including composers from Josquin des Pres to Carlos Surinach.

Durran said the concert will feature eight pieces and will run for about 45 minutes. The largest piece will showcase 12 members of the Double Reed Ensemble.

Robinson explained that the event usually invites faculty and student performers from the School of Music.

"It gives them another performance venue on campus," Robinson said. "And it's a nice setting, because you're surrounded by art. The acoustics are good, and it's really an intimate, beautiful place to perform."