AT THE MONDAVI: Movement, art and music

It is called the Mark Morris Dance Group, and it is appearing in the Dance series at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. But, beyond the spectacle of movement, the group’s productions are about art and music, too.

Choreographer Mark Morris is committed to incorporating the talents of various disciplines into his performances. For example, Morris has commissioned fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi for costumes, and author-illustrator Maira Kalman for sets.

But the most significant collaboration is perhaps with musicians and his commitment to using live music whenever possible.

On a return visit to the Jackson Hall stage, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, the Morris group is set to perform three works:

  • Visitation — Beethoven: Sonata No. 4 for Cello and Piano in C Major, op. 102, No. 1
  • Empire Garden — Ives: Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, S. 86
  • Grand Duo — Harrison: Grand Duo for Violin and Piano

The Mondavi Center announced that Ruth Rosenberg, artist engagement coordinator, will moderate a question-and-answer session after the performance.

More at the Mondavi Center

UC Davis Clarinet Festival — 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. See separate story.

Itzhak Perlman, violin — The superstar’s Jan. 22 return to the Mondavi Center is sold out.

UC Davis’ Empyrean Ensemble: Americans in Rome — 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. See separate story.

Daniel Handler: Why Does Lemony Snicket Keep Following Me? — In the Distinguished Speakers series. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, Jackson Hall. Followed by a question-and-answer session. See separate story.

Focus on Film: 25th Hour 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Talk by Don Roth, executive director of the Mondavi Center, 6:30 p.m., studio theatre. See separate story.

Simone Dinnerstein and Tift Merritt: Night Dinnerstein, a classical pianist, and Merritt, a singer-songwriter, present the story of a pianist and a folk singer who became friends in their search for common musical ground — which they found in their own works, and in a range of works by others, from George Harrison to Frederic Chopin. This is the second installment in a series called Studio Classics: Crossings, which explores “the fruitful intersection of classical and rock music.” 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre (cabaret seating). Preperformance talks in the studio theatre, one hour before each performance, featuring the performers in conversation with Lara Downes, artist in residence, Mondavi Center.

MOMIX: Botanica Moses Pendleton directs this troupe of dancer-illusionists in a new work that traces the unfolding of Earth’s four seasons. Botanica “continues a long tradition of athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props and pure talent to create an entertaining multimedia experience,” according to the Mondavi Center. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, Jackson Hall. Also: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, in the school matinee program. The matinee is recommended for grades 4-12; click here for more information, including a matinee ticket order form for teachers.

Tickets are available online, or by visiting or calling the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787.

Media Resources

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

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