A mix of German and non-German (Russia, Argentina, Poland etc) ensemble players, who are now all Berliners, are metaphorically ‘opening the door’ of their open rehearsal to us, to mark Refugee Week in the beautiful outdoor space of the Kulturhaus Schöneberg, as part of their tour, the day before their concert on 21 June in Lychen, north of Berlin.

Musically the ensemble moves between Bach, blues and jazz arrangements, and Balkan grooves.

The audience will be able to watch the players for about 30 minutes of the rehearsal at 19:30 and after that mingle with the performers and ask questions about their work.

Moving Home are enthusiastic amateur musicians who perform under the direction of Berlin saxophonist Cornelia Ottinger. Over the years, they have developed a diverse repertoire from Bach to Debussy, Shostakovich, Weill, and Piazzolla, to jazz and swing arrangements and contemporary compositions—some of which were written specifically for them.

Their collaboration with the musician Paul Mertens-Pavlowsky is a particularly fortunate coincidence. Since the ensemble's founding in September 2006, he has repeatedly provided enriching input as a guest conductor and composer. Thus, the ensemble benefits from a range of diverse, intertwining skills.

Sopranino/Sopransaxophon Doris Armbruster, Anna Gaetjen
Altsaxophon Martin Borbonus, Christiane Keppler, Evelyn Senst, Irene von Trotha
Tenorsaxophon Natalia Bolotina, Sabine Eikermann, Graciela Russo
Baritonsaxophon Silke Klieboldt, Axel Windfuhr
Basssaxophon Timon Schwanbeck
Querflöte Angela Zumpe
Flügelhorn Juliane Kuske