Birdfoot artists arrive to a big Louisiana welcome—a spicy crawfish boil.

Artists enjoy being able to walk to rehearsals in the historic buildings of Madewood’s secluded grounds.

For a few early risers, the day starts with a pre-breakfast run through the sugarcane fields.

Violinist Karen Kim enjoys warming up in a sunny parlor before a morning rehearsal.

Understanding that music careers are hectic, Birdfoot gives artists time to rejuvenate and refresh their creativity.

Music pours out of every room during the five-day rehearsal residency.

Enough rehearsal time means that every note can be understood.

Sometimes a good listener is exactly what you need.

Rehearse, discuss, repeat. Birdfoot artists love having the time and space the festival gives them to work in depth.

Artists rehearsing a new arrangement go beyond the notes on the page.

Wide-ranging musical topics and ideas are shared and explored during evening discussions.

Cellist Han Bin relaxes in the “Queen Bey” chair.

On day six, the rehearsal residency ends and Birdfoot returns to New Orleans. How many cellos can you fit in a 15-passenger van, anyway?

Birdfoot’s New Orleans home is the Contemporary Arts Center in the center of the Downtown Arts District. Rehearsals continue (even on the street), as the festival opens its doors to the community with five days of open rehearsals and public events.

Birdfoot artists enjoy connecting with the community and receive a warm greeting wherever they perform.

Who knew Tchaikovsky could be so funny? Audiences and artists get a kick out of exploring music together during Birdfoot Backstage

Spoken-word artist Kataalyst Alcindor answers questions during an interactive performance at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center.

Chamber music and spoken-word poetry share the stage during an evening performance.

There are no safety nets in live music—No one falls asleep during Birdfoot’s “risky high wire performances.”

Festival concerts take place across the city, but all concerts celebrate great music.

Reflecting New Orleans’ live music culture, Birdfoot performances take place at jazz clubs as well as concert halls.

The world premiere of a new chamber work commissioned by Birdfoot “takes off” in performance.

All seats feel front-row at Birdfoot’s Café Istanbul performances.

Intimate performances allow listeners to take part in the creative process.

Artists and audiences mingle and chat after concerts, sometimes late into the night.

Everyone is ready for some sleep, but no one wants the festival to end...