At last, the day had arrived when I would be making my debut as a soloist on the platform of the Royal Festival Hall.

I had been selected to perform a Mozart Flute Concerto for Princess Diana’s 30th Birthday concert, with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as I arrived at the hall for the afternoon rehearsal. The American conductor was very supportive and many members of the orchestra smiled encouragingly.

I had a special dress made for the occasion in blue and gold silk with a bolero jacket. I waited with anticipation in my dressing room for the call to go on stage.

As the applause sounded, I walked out onto the stage, glancing up at the Royal Box to get a glimpse of the spectators. As soon as the music began I was able to relax and lose myself in the melodic lines.

At the end of the performance, I left the stage closely followed by the conductor, who accidentally trod on the bottom of my long gown, I slightly stumbled but quickly recovered with the helping hand of a nearby violinist!

Looking back, I think this helped to lighten the tension of what was an exciting but challenging experience.