So often as humans we focus on ourselves and forget to observe the things that surround us, those perfect imperfections that create our universe. This recital is inspired by my experiences this year, finally leaving the comfort of my mind and opening my eyes to the beauty of the world around me. When we open our eyes to the experiences of others, there is so much that we can learn, from songs, from people, from nature, and from Mother Earth herself. As we grow up, we forget the childlike innocence and utter joy of living that Nuvoletta feels. As we are scorned by the world, we become like Pierrot, who loses his raison d’etre, spiraling into depression, alcoholism, and finally dying. The flower girls of Mädchenblumen show us that there is beauty in everyone, that the beauty lies in being so undeniably yourself. And Hahn so perfectly captures love, the stages of it, the longing, the parallels of nature to another. We are constantly changing and growing, like the flowers that sprout, like the seasons that change. Our role is to be. Not to try to be. But to be. I hope that if anything, this recital will inspire you to accept and love yourself in your current state. To go outside and look at the tulips without thinking of how they might change you or where they are rooted in your life’s journey. To be.