Campus community members can next week get a sneak preview of Mondavi Center when the new building opens its doors for a fall convocation that breaks from tradition even as it addresses traditions as a theme.

• full house is anticipated for Wednesday's hourlong convocation, which takes place the day before Mondavi Center's gala opening. The convocation program begins at 11 a.m. and will primarily spotlight the performing arts instead of the addresses typically presented by the chancellor and a featured speaker.

Elizabeth Langland, dean of the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, is set to emcee the event. "I feel very privileged to be representing the division at this moment and to be able to see the completion of a project that depended on so many people - all those who went before and had that vision," she said.

Langland's welcome address will be followed by a blessing offered by Native American studies professor George Longfish.

With the new center, says Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef, the campus will honor the creative spirit and carry on the traditions of music and dance first celebrated on campus grounds by the Patwin Indians some 500 years ago.

On Wednesday, Vanderhoef will deliver his 10th convocation speech, an abbreviated address aptly named "Celebrating the Arts." The 10-minute talk will focus on the center as symbolic of the unity, vision and determination the campus has and should strive for across all disciplines.

Mondavi Center - decades in the making - is proof certain, he says, "that nothing is impossible once you set your mind to it."

The chancellor plans to talk briefly about the history of the center as well as key groups and individuals who made the project possible. He also will address campus growth, progress on the new university neighborhood and the continuing need to foster positive partnerships with the region's schools, cities and citizens.

Remaining committed to the Principles of Community as "a guidepost for our daily interactions" despite the possibility of further conflict in the Middle East also will be addressed, Vanderhoef said. In addition, the chancellor plans to talk about his hopes as the campus community is challenged by state budget cuts.

The performing arts program for Wednes-day's convocation features multiple works created for and by members of the campus community, including the piece "Réjouissance," by music professor Andrew Frank.

Frank's brass and percussion work is dedicated to music patrons Robert and Margrit Mondavi and Barbara Jackson, as well as longtime UC Davis music professor D. Kern Holoman and his UC Davis Symphony Orchestra. "Réjouissance" will be performed by members of the symphony, music department alumni and faculty at UC Davis.

In addition, the symphony orchestra will perform Berlioz's "Marche Troyenne." And a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Associate Professor of Music Jeffrey Thomas' University Chorus, also is set.

Department of Theatre and Dance professor Della Davidson and the department's new professional ensemble will present the tribute piece "Undimmed," choreographed by David-son with Jane Schnorrenberg. The ensemble will include professional dancers Schnorren-berg, Eric Kupers and Melissa Wynn - who are also MFA candidates in choreography - Kegan Marling, Kerry Mehling and Nol Simonse.

The work is a tribute to the deathless spirit of well-known Bay Area dancer Tracy Rhoades, who died of AIDS during the mid-1990s. It will be danced to Mozart's overture to the "Marriage of Figaro."

Convocation also showcases "Opening," by Assistant Professor Laurie San Martin, who is co-director of the UC Davis-based Empyrean Ensemble. Her work will be performed by cellist Leighton Fong and violist Ellen Ruth Rose.

• finale will bring members of the California Aggie Marching Band, and the UC Davis Concert Band and Wind Ensemble together on stage with symphony members and the university chorus for Berlioz's"Apothéose."

Following the convocation, refreshments will be served outside the center.