September 2002

Students take the stage at new performing arts center

"I never thought Iíd be a part of it," says sophomore Philip Daley, who will be among the first musicians to perform in UC Davisí new Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. "You hear stories about halls opening up. Miles of horse-drawn carriages at Carnegie Hall in 1891. This feels magical."

Philip doesnít expect horses at the Mondavi Center, but he anticipates that the UCD Symphony Orchestra, which he helps manage, will perform better than ever. "When a hall feels important, it changes how people play. The Mondavi Center feels like a house of music."

The $57-million Mondavi Center features a state-of-the-art 1,800-seat hall and a 250-seat studio theatre. It's a "house" that freshmen can enter in a variety of ways, and so can their parents. Students can purchase half-price tickets. Freshmen can audition for the orchestra two days after arrival and, if accepted, they will play at the universityís Fall Convocation Oct. 2. All students are welcome to attend the convocation.

The opening festivities will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 3 and free outdoor performances by groups including La Bottine Souriante and MASS Ensemble Oct. 5 and 6. The fall season line-up features such greats as Pat Metheny, Yo-Yo Ma and the Shanghai Ballet.

Parents can buy tickets to professional performances, but perhaps the best treat is the opportunity to see their own students perform in one of the music, dance and drama groups that will use the Mondavi Center. Itís a hall with something for everyone, especially students.

Right now the hall dominates the life of one busy student, violinist Philip Daley, whose days are a tumult of preparing music, musicians and equipment. "I can't tell you how many hours I've worked," he shudders, but his tension dissolves into a smile. "Itís nerve-wracking Ö and very, very exciting."

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