eighth blackbird Lands at Ojai Music Festival

For more than half a century, the Ojai Music Festival has been celebrated as a showcase for cutting-edge classical music. But this year’s four-day event, which begins tonight in the city’s Libbey Bowl, may be the riskiest and edgiest of them yet-and the most fun.

Serving as artistic director this year is the critically acclaimed Chicago-based ensemble eighth blackbird. True to its reputation for innovation, the sextet has put together an eclectic program which juxtaposes pieces in surprising ways, encourages guest artists to stretch themselves, and incorporates elements of theater and dance.

Collaboration is a central theme of the festival, with players taking center stage for one performance and blending into the ensemble for another. Responsibility for the results will be shared. The six concerts (to be complemented by numerous ancillary events) will include several works that require a small orchestra, but no one will be waving a stick in front of the players.