“Better than the deed, better than the memory … ANTICIPATION!” I know from experience that this timeless quote from expert pinsman, “Jacques”, just ain’t true. At least when I’m talking about the Michigan City Chamber Music Festival (MCCMF).
I offer this humble “Artistic Director’s Journal”, as a record of all the beloved moments from my favorite week of ANY year…
Today, as with any day of the MCCMF will start with individual practice. ALL the musicians spend hours every day in INDIVIDUAL practice. This does NOT include the hours we will spend rehearsing TOGETHER. BIG difference between “practice” and “rehearsal”. Today, is quite luxurious! There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to get in 3-4 good hours of practice time. Luckily, rehearsals don’t start until tomorrow; only one precious before Opening Night! But that’s how we do it at the MCCMF; 36 hours of break-neck work, then BAM! Showtime! Love it…
Speaking of rehearsals, must set up chairs and stands for the first rehearsals tomorrow, located throughout our home; First Presbyterian Church (FPC), Michigan City, IN. Our “goldilocks” zone … Not too big, not too small … Just RIGHT!
The Festival musicians will be trickling in over the next 24-36 hours; some have arrived already. Getting them set in their housing situations for the week is a priority. That will take up much of our concerns and efforts as housing is, well, “complicated” this year. A combination of volunteer “host families” and a donated house is fitting the bill.
Tonight, a get together that will serve as a pleasurable outing before the marathon, AND a business meeting is important. Many matters of festival business will be addressed.
Tomorrow, the sounds of great music will ring throughout (FPC), as we rehearse Beethoven, Faure, and Brahms for Opening Night, but for now, it’s just check off one item after another on my “to-do” list. www.mccmf.org
VIVA LA MUSICA!
