For her next concert at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, Lara Downes offers 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.

And Downes has more than her piano playing in store for the audience. Indeed, Long Time Coming is a multimedia concert — featuring music, film and spoken word.

Downes, the Mondavi Center's artist in residence, 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. The program also includes guest performers from the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet and the poetry of former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove.

Concert times are 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 scheduled for 7 p.m. April 9 and 1 p.m. April 10, also in the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre.

More at the Mondavi

• 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 online, 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.