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THE MONDAVI CENTER PRESENTS

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Jeffrey Thomas leads American Bach Soloists.
Jeffrey Thomas leads the American Bach Soloists.

The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts rounds out the holidays with two more programs:

American Bach Soloists — ٺƵ Choral Director Jeffrey Thomas leads this early music ensemble in its presentation of Handel’s Messiah. The oratorio debuted in 1742 in Dublin, and has become a holiday tradition in many parts of the world. The Mondavi Center is no exception, with the Messiah on the schedule every year since the center opened in 2002. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Jackson Hall.

Chanticleer — The all-male chorus presents “A Chanticleer Christmas,” a blend of traditional carols, medieval and Renaissance sacred works and new holiday gems. 5 p.m. Dec. 20, Jackson Hall.

And here is the Mondavi Center schedule for January:

Albers Trio — Chamber ensemble comprising sisters Laura (violin), associate concertmaster with the San Francisco Opera; Rebecca, winner of Juilliard’s 2002–03 viola competition; and Julie (cello), who made her major orchestral debut at the age of 17 with the Cleveland Orchestra. 8 p.m. Jan. 16 and 2 p.m. Jan 17, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

Violin Festival — This Department of Music event wraps up with two unique performances: 7 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

Spirit of Uganda — Drums, dramatic choreography and call-and-response vocals from East Africa. The company’s 22 performers, ages 8 to 18, personify the resilience and promise of Africa’s next generation as they promote awareness of Uganda’s dual crises of AIDS and civil war. 3 p.m. Jan. 24, Jackson Hall. Postperformance question-and-answer session, with Joyce Donaldson, the Mondavi Center’s associate to the executive director for Strategic Projects and Arts Education. School matinees, 11 a.m. Jan. 21 and 22, Jackson Hall.

Empyrean Ensemble: Music for Viola, Flute and Percussion — ٺƵ’ ensemble in residence performs works by Laurie San Martin (Duo), Pablo Ortiz (Duo), John MacCallum (new work for viola and electronics) and John Cage (music for flute, viola and percussion, 1984–87). 7 p.m. Jan. 24, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company — Newly formed but already receiving international acclaim. Christopher Wheeldon and Lourdes Lopez founded the company with the fundamental goal of revitalizing contemporary, classical ballet — through the marriage of dance, music, visual arts and design. The troupe, which debuted in the United States in 2007, includes some of the foremost members of New York City Ballet and the Royal Ballet of Britain. 8 p.m. Jan. 26, Jackson Hall. Postperformance question-and-answer session with Professor David Grenke, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Miguel Zenón Septet — For this performance, the jazz septet is joined by three musicians for plena rhythms and singing. 8 p.m. Jan. 27-30, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE — Founded in 1985, Brown’s dance company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. The company’s 25th Anniversary Tour comes to the Mondavi Center to present Come Ye, celebrating the life of blues vocalist Nina Simone; and Upside Down, which brought Mondavi Center audiences to their feet in 2003. 8 p.m. Jan. 30, Jackson Hall. Postperformance question-and-answer session with Ruth Rosenberg, coordinator of the Mondavi Center’s Professional Development Programs.

Alexander String Quartet — Beethoven’s String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 59, No. 2; and String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No 3. 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 31, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Commentary by musicologist, author and composer Robert Greenberg during the 2 p.m. concert; question-and-answer session with quartet members after the 7 p.m. concert.

TICKETS: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787 or . At the time Dateline went to press, ticket availability was limited for two of the Zenón concerts (Jan. 29 and 30), and the 2 p.m. Alexander String Quartet concert; contact the box office for more information. Educators interested in purchasing school matinee tickets should call (530) 754-4689.

Media Resources

Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu

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