After Ensemble Modern's arrival to LAX last night, Ojai rehearsals began at 10am this morning and are now in full swing. Ensemble Modern has their own set of assistants, who, together with our crew, execute stage changes efficiently and so far, without siginificant hitches. Today's rehearsal program has involved a Schoenberg, Stravinksy, and Benjamin piece with various combinations of about 10 or so musicians from Ensemble Modern. I have had the privilege of driving various members back and forth between their place of stay, the Ventura Crowne PLaza Hotel, and the Libbey Bowl. My interatcions with them tell me that they are a group of down-to-earth people. No sour musicians here: everyone seems very passionate about what they do and energized to be in Ojai. One specific car trip today involved two french horn players, a trombonist and trumpeter- we crammed into my Toyota Camry at the Ventura hotel and set out for the 2o'clock rehearsal at Libbey.
I don't think I've laughed so much one car ride: Jokes abounded, songs were sung, cultural stereotypes were discussed... which brings me to my next point, that Ensemble Modern is extremely international. One might assume the Frankfurt-based ensemble would contain mostly Germans, but players also hail from Korea, Japan, Israel, and Argentina, and those are just the ones I've met. I'm impressed at the general cameraderie, the fabulous team work and the all around abundance of smiles that occur backstage. If the rest of the week is going to be anything like this first day of rehearsals, we're going to have an amazing time.
- Margaret Crites
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