OPERA TO HONOR UCSD CENTER

The world premiere of the opera “Trillium,” by Anthony Braxton, composed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of UC San Diego’s Mandeville Center, will be performed March 16 and 17 in Mandeville Auditorium.

The production with three scenes and an interlude will be preceded by an alto saxophone solo performed by Braxton titled “Composition 113.” This composition is a theater piece with slide shows, lighting and six microphones into which Braxton will play six different motifs from six different positions and locations.

The composition serves to introduce the six principal characters in “Trillium,” who are represented by vocalists paired with improvising instrumentalists. The soloists talk with each other as well as members of the orchestra and chorus.

Braxton, who next week will begin serving as a UCSD regents’ lecturer, has been active in the avant-garde jazz scene for more than 20 years. He was a founding member of The Art Ensemble of Chicago and he has performed with such musicians as pianist Chic Corea and bassist Milt Holland.