Peg Luke: Ah, good question! I started the piano at the age of five, and I was an extremely shy child. I remember my mother saying, “If you really want to play the piano, you are going to have to ask the piano teacher yourself.” And I wanted to take the piano so badly that I went and asked her personally if I could take piano lessons. But piano lessons were twice a week: once with just myself and the other a group lesson where we learned dictation, theory, sight-singing, and listened to music. It was quite substantial for a small child.

When I reached the age of seven, I felt as if I was “called” when I was in the car with my parents in our old AMC Ambassador station wagon. I'm not quite sure who called me—whether it was God himself or some celestial being—but it was something I'll never forget because the “being” told me that I should learn the flute because this is what I'm going to be doing for my livelihood. And I was young enough to believe them!

My parents were so good and so supportive of anything that their kids wanted to do. I felt extremely blessed. From that freak incident, I knew my life would never be the same.

Peg: There are so many memories of these wonderful concerts. I always felt when I was in the back rooms of these iconic halls, I felt the presence of the previous great artists that had gone on stage ahead of me. I felt their love and hugs before I went on stage. It was quite wonderful and curious.

One of my most heartwarming memories was a concert that I did of all Russian music. I almost didn't do that concert because Russia at that time was being quite dramatic in the way they were treating the United States—which is quite ironic considering today's situation. The whole concert featured Russian music, and for encores I did some very famous Russian folk music. And the audience, which was made up mainly of Russian immigrants, started clapping, and we had quite a time while we were playing this. It was a huge party!

My last time at Carnegie Hall, I was the only person in the building soloing that night. And the line to come see me spread around the corner of the building and down the block! They were turning people away! I remember I played an arrangement of the complete Vivaldi Four Seasons and the audience was going crazy—cheering in between and hooting their shouts of admiration in between each and every movement. There was energy in that room!

Peg: There are so many factors in the development of my “Psalm Space” project. I felt this music was part of my soul that came out through grief. I remember driving one day after my mom's funeral and thinking I need some music that I can grieve to, that I can heal to. I couldn't find any, so I decided it's time for me to write something on my own. And here came this music. I remember I spent about 6 months creating, and I don't think my husband saw much of me during that time! It's a beautiful project and I still love it.

The music is a testament to not giving up, being courageous, and knowing there's something better “on the other side.”

Peg: I'm not sure there's a blend, but somehow it works. The way I hear music and the way I perceive music has that classical side to it, and the way that I try to make it through life blends that sacred space into the classical naturally.

I think all music derives from previous music in some shape and form.

Peg: I always hear music with some variance in it, and when it came to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” that was no exception. I live out West right now, and I find my opening theme is an homage to this style of music. And then all of a sudden comes the theme of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and it just beautifully melds together. My husband Jack and I do a lot of music together, and he plays the clarinet on this. I think the sensitivity of the musical line is really special in this arrangement. I can't wait for you to experience it!

Peg: Maybe, ideas are always flowing!

Peg: Sometimes just living every day is a wonderful and incredible experience. As far as a bucket list is concerned, I always have ideas and projects lined up, and as long as I am alive my creative mind will keep working. I have started a project called “52 Weeks,” which is kind of a meditational devotional idea tied in with my new music. And I also have an idea for a complete rework of the J.S. Bach 8 flute sonatas. It's never dull around here!

Peg: I love Gordon Mote! It would be great to work with him!

Peg: Out of the Book of Micah, Chapter 5, comes this wonderful phrase: “God will be my Peace.” I love that!

Peg: To never give up! To love each and every person! To be grateful for all the talents and all the opportunities that God has given me! Every day is a gift!