Unveiling

A Mozart piece is being being played by our beautiful Symphony Orchestra. I stand in the green room and adjust my dress while watching the mirror. I'm 24 years old, already an accomplished violinist with 26 major performances under my belt. 

I warm up my fingers by playing simple scales on my violin. I imagine a remote and glorious waterfall shining in the sun as my fingers flutter over the notes. 

There’s a knock on the door. "Alice, your times up." I glance back at the mirror and follow Mandy, our director, to the stage. As she addresses the audience, I take a deep breath and take my stance by the microphone. 

"…and please welcome our guest violinist and soloist, Alice Tahburk." I give a big smile, nod at the conductor and the music begins. 1. 2. 3. My eyes drift closed as my fingers introduce another world.

…

"Oh, Alice, my girl that was wonderful," my mother exclaims with her eyes shining. I'm 12 again, preparing for my first concert, playing my mother’s favourite Bach piece. My dad claps with a massive smile on his face, then twirls me as I laugh.

…

I open my eyes as the song takes a minor turn, leading me towards the storm on the wings of eagles. Reminding me of shadows and tragedy causing me to be thrown into my past again.

…

"Run, Alice, Run!" My mother screams as a soldier grabs her arm, throws her to the ground and ends her life.

"Mum, no!" I yell but the soldier turns to me. Then I ran, tears hot against my cheeks, and I ran till the blisters bite my heels. And that was when I was saved by an old friendly couple.

…

With a big breath the music fades to introduce my solo. Tears like a flood overflow until my cheeks are soaked. Finally the last note of the piece comes but that was when I heard a quiet whisper in the depths of my soul, " Don't worry Alice, I will never leave you." And I smiled through the tears and the cheering of the audience as I took a bow.

12 April 2018