Periodically, violinist Chee-Yun travels from her home in Dallas, where she teaches at Southern Methodist University, to perform with some of the world's foremost orchestras. "Since taking up my position at SMU, I try not to tour more than two weeks at a time," said this critically acclaimed performer and recording artist. "I've got to take care of my students. Also, I think it's healthier."

However, here in Washington, Chee-Yun takes off her teacher's cap and puts on the formal trappings of concert artist to appear Sunday with the National Philharmonic Orchestra in the Music Center at Strathmore. Under the baton of Music Director Piotr Gajewski, she will perform Vivaldi's masterwork, "The Four Seasons."

"It was a great experience the last time I worked with her," said Gajewski. "She's a wonderful collaborator and makes a wonderful sound."

Composed in 1723, "The Four Seasons" is arguably among the finest works of the Baroque period. Arranged in four concertos, each representing a season of the year, the piece requires that Chee-Yun, along with the 22-person string section and harpsichord, put forth a variety of musical illustrations relevant to the meteorological cycles in nature. To further enhance the tone of his work, Vivaldi wrote a sonnet to accompany each concerto and notated in the scores precisely what each of them illustrates. For example, a "barking dog" is heard during the second movement of Spring, while "languor caused by the heat" identifies the tranquil first movement of Summer.

To say that the work commands enormous amounts of stamina on the part of the soloist would be stating the obvious. Chee-Yun, along with the maestro and his direction, are a forceful combination.

"I work very well with high-energy people and I get that," Chee-Yun noted. "[Gajewski] is very passionate and so involved."

Chee-Yun also knows that through teaching she becomes a better player and has observed that the opposite results are true, as well.

"Because I perform in concert, it helps my students and my teaching," she said. "I know what is expected and what it is like to be on stage and I share that experience."

As she looks forward to her first appearance in the Strathmore concert hall, she also strives to give the best to her following here in the District.

"I want the audience to feel what's happening," she said. "I want to be on fire so they feel the warmth, you know?"