This Saturday is the day of the annual concert for the orchestra I belong to. I'm especially excited because, this year, I have been given the opportunity to perform in the pre-concert show just before the main performance begins. It’s an honor to set the mood for the evening! The pieces we are performing are three popular movements from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Our selection includes the light and delicate “Miniature Overture,” the beautiful and flowing “Dance of the Reed Pipes,” and the exciting Russian dance, “Trepak.” What makes this performance unique is that these movements are originally written for a large symphony orchestra. They rely on a huge range of instruments—strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion to achieve their rich, vibrant sound. However, we are taking on the challenge of presenting them as a simple flute trio. This chamber arrangement is much more intricate than it sounds. We have to work hard to capture the complex harmonies and rhythmic energy of the original score with just three instruments. The “Trepak,” in particular, is a challenging piece that demands incredible speed and absolute precision to convey its vigorous, high-energy drive. We’ve been rehearsing diligently to ensure our three flutes blend perfectly and sound as cohesive and full as possible. I’m truly looking forward to sharing this intimate take on a familiar masterpiece with the audience this weekend.