From the Concert Hall to the Ballet Stage: My Orchestral Journey
29th November 2025
Last weekend, I had the privilege of performing with the Nairobi Orchestra, and it was one of the most meaningful concerts I’ve played so far. The best part was that I got to perform alongside all my violin teachers — a rare honour for any young musician. Playing with one’s own gurus is an experience that stays with you. The repertoire was demanding, and even passing the auditions felt like an achievement on its own.
Our programme, Rêverie Odyssey, took the audience through a wide musical journey, filled with intricate string passages, bold orchestral textures, and emotionally charged themes. Being in the second violins allowed me to understand how every nuance — tone, articulation, blend, and ensemble coordination — builds the overall sound. It made me appreciate how much detail composers put into their music and how much trust performers must place in one another.
What made this concert even more special was that my role wasn’t limited to playing in the orchestra. I’m also part of the Nairobi Orchestra’s social media team, where I help design posters and plan promotional strategies with my teammates. It’s another skill I’m learning how to tell the story of a concert visually and how to reach audiences beyond the stage. Seeing our designs come to life during the concert weekend was incredibly rewarding.
By Dhara Shah, 11N
The Nutcracker Ballet
And now, I’m looking forward to the next chapter: performing in the orchestra for The Nutcracker Ballet, with shows coming up at the Kenya National Theatre. Tchaikovsky’s score is magical, and bringing it to life from the pit is an experience filled with both challenge and excitement. Every rehearsal with different musicians and under different conductors teaches me something new. Every performance tests my patience, discipline, endurance, and time management — especially as I juggle schoolwork alongside rehearsals.
I’m grateful for the stages I get to stand on, the mentors I get to learn from, and the music that continues to inspire me. With each concert, I grow not just as a musician, but as a person — and I can’t wait for what’s next.
And although I’ll be playing in the orchestra pit for The Nutcracker, it feels extra special this year because I’ll be performing the music for my friend Tara (from 11S) who will be dancing on stage. It’s a different kind of teamwork — one on stage and one below — but we’re both telling the same story through our art. I’m really looking forward to sharing this magical production, and I hope to see you all in the audience supporting us.
By Dhara Shah, 11N
