Rrerku

I am a 60 year old flutist and I am about to perform a humble concert in my community. I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot, and I wonder if it is acceptable for me to sit on a high chair (like bar chair height) instead of stand for my performance? Does any one have any thoughts? Have you ever seen anything like this?

Absolutely. Nobody ever expects (extreme case) Itzhak Perlman to stand.

Personally, I'd be a happy audience if a flautist sat on a barstool, as many guitarists tend to do.

Now, performing while on a unicycle...

I've never seen a flutist sit, but I've also not seen very many flute soloists.

What I have seen is plenty of soloists that do sit, so you'd be in good company!

And keep in mind that cellists, pianists, harpists, tubists, etc. sit. Why should you feel out of place for sitting? Do whatever helps you perform the best!

Orchestral flautists sit the whole time so it's clearly possible to play the flute to a high standard while sitting. It's the 21st century and people are used to legislation that requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This doesn't sound like an employment situation but the same principles and expectations apply. There's no reason you shouldn't sit, and every reason that you should. The audience wants to hear you at your best.

If you were performing in an ensemble of 3 or more people - a flute quartet for example - you would not think twice would you; you would always sit.

So its not really an unusual way to perform. And even if it were you are still free to do whatever you need to feel comfortable and perform at your best.

So go for it, and good luck with the performance

Conventionally, soloists stand. So what? Do you honestly feel that any objection would be raised to one sitting for medical reasons? Of course not!

So I guess your post is really about getting reassurance and recognition for your achievement. No problem. Well done! Hope it goes well. Good luck! (Will that do? You're welcome.)

It's always acceptable to be seated. Standing is more conventional for a single soloist, but a group of performers would be seated.

The only advantage of standing would be diaphragm and breath control. That isn't an insurmountable obstacle whilst playing.