I first conceived of this recital while I was at Middlebury College studying German this past summer (many thanks to the Undergraduate Language Grant!). One of the vocal teachers mentioned that Die Nacht and Morgen are often paired together, as they are opposites, and it is only natural that darkness gives way to light. From then on, the wheels started turning. I knew I wanted to program a recital about hope and finding light in a dark world.

The first half of my recital is centered around betrayal, fear, and loss. I begin with Strauss’ Die Nacht, filled with fear that Death will steal my beloved. Ach, was Kummer, Qual und Schmerzen and Die Verschwiegen respond to a betrayal by a loved one; however, as they are victims, they are powerless to stand up to the perpetrator. Armida abbandonata picks up after the sorceress Armida is abandoned by her human lover, Rinaldo, highlighting her very human emotions, as she spirals from lamenting her state to cursing Rinaldo to descending into hopelessness, after realizing she still loves him.

After intermission, we transition into hope. Will There Really Be a Morning examines the philosophical question that passes through everyone’s head at some point: Is life worth it? Will things really get better? This leads into Hold Fast to Dreams, in which we are reminded that our aspirations are key to maintaining faith in life, that all we can do is give ourselves reasons to keep living. 花非花, 春晓, and 思乡 highlight the beauty in nature, beauty that we often miss from just walking around. These in particular are dedicated to my Grandma, Muoi Tran, who is in the audience right now! Finally, we end with Strauss: Ich schwebe as the lightness of my feet and the pure joy has been found again, Zueignung as a thank you to all who have supported me as I’ve grown up and completed my studies at Northwestern, and Morgen, adding a glimmer of hope, as we transition from this recital back into the reality of life. I hope that this recital gives you hope for the future, as it has given me. Even after the darkest of nights, the morning will always come again.

I am dedicating this recital to my Grandma Dorothy Kiyono Chee, who passed away last weekend. She inspired me with her tenacity, selflessness, and strength throughout my entire life. I would not be the woman I am today without her grace and kindness. I hope that she has now found peace, an eternal Morning in Heaven with my late Grandpa and the love of her life, William Chee. I miss you so much, Grandma and Grandma. Sending all of my love up to heaven.