Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1

[liszmaninopin]

I was recently invited to play Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1 for a local concert next May.  Does anyone have any advice on how a concert normally goes?  I have never performed with an orchestra before, so I really don't know what to expect.   Right now, I'm in the process of learning the piece.

[JTownley]

What an intriguing position to be in. In my experience, pianists generally never learn a concerto fresh for a concert. They've played it years and years to the point where they could play it in their sleep before venturing out onto a stage with it. However, seeing as the concert is a year away, with a lot of hard work you just might pull it off. Mke sure you test it out in several recitals w/ a second piano before attempting the real thing. This is probably the best preparation you can do. Good luck. Make sure you videotape the performance. We here on the BBS would love to see it. Right, guys?
http://www.JoeTownley.com   Lots of piano videos!

[liszmaninopin]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I will try to have it completed by at least a month or two in advance of the concert so maybe I can play it with serveral pianos and have it all ironed out by the time I would actually perform.