Pianist Lara Downes, artist in residence at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, presents Long Time Coming, a multimedia concert (music, spoken word and film) described as a poignant reflection on Duke Ellington's enduring legacy, the power of hope in troubled times and the dramatic impact of American music on our nation's history.
Downes is set to perform a new solo arrangement of Ellington’s iconic World War II-era New World A-Comin’, and David Sanford's modern-day response.
Featuring guest performers from the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet and the poetry of former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove.
Two performances are planned: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Preperformance talks, featuring Sanford and Downes, in conversation, are set for 7 p.m. April 9 and 1 p.m. April 10, also in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.
More at the Mondavi
• Curtis On Tour — Students from Philadelphia's world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music perform alongside celebrated faculty and alumni. Program: Kurtág's Hommage à R. Sch., Op. 15d; Brahms: Sonata for Viola and Piano in F minor, Op. 120, No. 1 (Saturday, March 19) and Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in E-flat, Op. 120, No. 2 (Sunday, March 20); Hagen's Book of Days; and Mozart's Trio in E-flat major, K. 498 (“Kegelstatt”). 8 p.m. March 19 and 2 p.m. March 20, Vanderhoef Studio Theater
• Dan Zanes and Friends — Performing in the Children’s Stage series. Zanes is a onetime rock 'n' roller (the Del Fuegos) who found a second career when he decided to make music for children. His latest album, 76 Trombones, reinvents classic Broadway tunes from such shows as Annie, A Chorus Line and Hello Dolly! 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20, Jackson Hall.
• St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra — The oldest and most celebrated symphonic ensemble in Russia presents renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein in her second visit to the Mondavi Center. Program: Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36; Shostakovich's Concerto for Cello No. 1, Op. 107; and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 26, Jackson Hall.
• Young Artists Competition Winners — Artist-in-Residence Lara Downes hosts this concert by the winners of the sixth annual Mondavi Center Young Artists Competition. 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.
• Branford Marsalis Quartet and Terence Blanchard Quintet — A funny thing happened on the way to the Mondavi Center: Trumpeter Blanchard's quartet (as originally billed) grew to a quintet. It comprises one-half of a jazz concert. The other half: the Branford Marsalis Quartet, led by the saxophone-playing, elder statesman of the musical Marsalis brothers. 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, Jackson Hall.
• Takács Quartet — Twenty-two-year-old Nobuyuki "Nobu" Tsjii, blind since birth, joins the string quarter for this concert. Program: Haydn's String Quartet No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 74; Bartók's String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 7; and Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2, Jackson Hall. Preperformance talk with Edward Dusinberre, first violinist, and Don Roth, executive director of the Mondavi Center, in conversation, 7 p.m., Jackson Hall.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — One of the world’s favorite dance companies returns to the Mondavi Center with a mixed repertory program celebrating 50 years of Revelations, a classic that pays tribute to Ailey’s African American heritage. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, April 5-6, Jackson Hall.
• The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma — The cellist's concert is sold out. Contact the box office to inquire about the waiting list for tickets that may be returned. 8 p.m. Friday, April 8. Preperformance talk by Henry Spiller, associate professor, Department of Music, 7 p.m., AGR Room, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.
• Sarah Silverman — "The most outrageously funny woman alive," as proclaimed by Rolling Stone magazine, makes her Mondavi Center debut. 7 p.m. Sunday, April 10, Jackson Hall.
Tickets are available , or by visiting or calling the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787. Box office hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Media Resources
Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu