Osvaldo Golijov arrived last night, and was at rehearsal today to help us play his piece the way he imagined it. He stood against the wall behind Maria for most of the rehearsal, with an intense expression on his face (eyes, often closed).

After rehearsal, we went out for India food with our old cellist friend Edward Wu. Ed was supposed to be a part of the cello section, but ended up being unable to participate. :(

Tomorrow is the west coast premiere of La Pasión! We're all very excited to be a part of this, and every once in awhile, one of us will lean over to the person next to us and whisper, "this piece rocks."

Peter Sellars stopped by at the end of the rehearsal, and I snapped a photo of him with Maria and Ozzie. "That picture you took is going to be a historic photo," said Barry.

Maria ended rehearsal with: (directed at the chorus) "Get lots of rest. Don't go out salsa dancing!" :)

Albert, Claire, and Ben

Geoff and Sabrina

Livia and Barry

I don't know how to spell this guy's name, but he's Swedish, and he is AMAZING.

The brass, with conductor Maria Guinand and Osvaldo Golijov, in the background

The cello section, with chorus, in the background

Morning rehearsal

The Schola Cantorum de Caracas

Maria, Osvaldo, and singers

Barry -- always on the phone!

Eating at the same food court

Eating at the same food court

Ben Freivogel finishes his own food, Andrea's food, and Livia's food

Geoff is WIRED - with cell phone and palm pilot! :)

Two of the Caracas group rest on the floor

Ben and Sabrina

One of the only ways I get to be in photographs

Ben

Afternoon rehearsal

Afternoon rehearsal

Maria Guinand, Osvaldo Golijov, and Peter Sellars

Livia Sohn, Geoff Nuttall, Osvaldo Golijov, Peter Sellars, Barry Shiffman

Guitar, Bass, and Piano players

Geoff and Edward Wu

Alberto and Claire, and Livia's foot

Barry, with his phone grafted to his ear