This performance video is a combination of three live performances depicting my recent musical journey. I would like to explain that journey to you..

In October of 2018, I submitted an application to be a part of an International Flute Competition. This competition included 18 flutist from all over the world learning and recording the same piece written for Flute and Orchestra. The rules of the competition were to learn this music, find a pianist and create a performance video that the jurors would like. In the end, I won Grand Prix of the competition and began my musical journey with this music. I had no idea a year later, God would present me with more amazing performance opportunities. In this video that I am sharing with you, the beginning starts with a segment from my journey start.

After winning the competition, my recorded performance was beloved by many and I was invited to Russia to perform the same piece with a live orchestra on April 12, 2019. This performance marked the first time in my career that as a Classical Flutist, I got to perform as a feature with a large ensemble. It was the next step in my journey and a huge leap of faith. I prayed, I practiced for days, I cared about my image and I even tried to learn a bit of the Russian language. The trip and concert turned out to be a success and now I have a huge family in this part of the world. The second image that continues on in this video is from this specific performance.

And finally the last leg of the journey, when I arrived back in Ohio, I decided to organize a performance with a friend and artistic director of a local orchestra, to perform this music in America. The date was set a year later from my first video performance, set on October of 2019. The event was another success and brought many to tears - including myself and my family. This performance was the end of my musical journey of this piece, but opened doors for many new opportunities to come. I was scheduled to perform on tour in Belarus this April 2020, but was not able to because of Covid - But I still look forward to other opportunities and I am just so grateful for God's grace in my life and musical journey.

The full work titled "Concerto", is exactly 20 minutes in length and consist of 3 movements. For my submission I have presented Engagearts with only the 3rd movement for time sake and because of the relevance to the contest topic.

The music of the 3rd movement is sort of this 'battle dance', which I relate to Ephesians 6 and verse 12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The third movement includes percussive sounds and melodies that encourage the image of a battle or struggle, and as the performer, I can personally say that when I perform this movement it is sort of like a battle, or struggle. The percussive sounds take a great deal of physical strength and air, as well as the fact that this music is at the end of a 20 minute long concerto.

Personally, in every performance around this moment, there are a lot of doubts and weaknesses that come into my psyche. Emotionally it is a battle of fearing the worst, questioning if I will make, "dont mess up" - Lots of thoughts from the enemy to try and influence the situation. But as a trained professional and having a father as a pastor, I have learned to stand tall and "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Eph 6:10 When I read the chosen scripture for the contest, I immediately knew I had to submit this specific movement.

As mentioned above, the feelings around this movement were common and often. When I performed in Russia, my second big performance of this piece, I was so terrified when I was getting ready to perform. I had so much anxiety back stage and I had to just sit down, breathe and say a prayer asking God for help and strength. When I was preparing for my last performance in Ohio, I decided to include armour in my performance. If you notice in the last video I am wearing a gold necklace that covers my chest. This necklace was titled "Athena Armour" and I chose it as symbolism for strength. This is the main reason why I chose this performance as it reminds me of Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the day, and having done all, to stand." I can not even explain the strength I felt on that last stage wearing armour and trusting God and my faith in him.

Flutist: Coreisa Janelle Lee
Composer: Eugene Magalif
Pianist: Xavier Suarez
Orchestras: Russian Folk Orchestra, Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra
Artistic Directors: Igor Khazdan, Travis Jurgens
Videography/Photography: Lance Thornton, MK Raplinger

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