Associated Press - June 29, 2009 7:05 AM ET

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) - Grand Teton National Park will host a series of free concerts that park officials are promoting as a connection between nature and music.

The park is offering the concerts in conjunction with the Grand Teton Music Festival. The series starts with an inaugural performance of the Rice University String Quartet on Monday.

The concerts continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until July 25.

The 30-minute programs will be held at the Colter Bay Visitor Center, Jackson Lake Lodge and the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

Grand Teton Music Festival organizers say the String Quartet was established as a way to usher new musicians into the orchestra that plays each summer in Teton Village.

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