I could have danced all night! (...and slept the whole next day...)

And then as quick as that, the recital was over. What an incredible night it was, though! :) From the first notes to the last resounding of applause in the hall to the final reception guests bidding their congratulatory comments and good nights, the evening was simply "perfect." Sure there were a few mistakes here and there, but they were nothing to devote any energy troubling over. I don't think I would change a thing. (Except maybe my throat not feeling so dried out! haha! Singer problems.)

Purple dress...what a surprise! ;)

I think all this comes from being so incredibly aware in the moment and so comfortable with the music. Finding this "zone" in the music was so exhilarating! The nuances, the shadings, the playing with the text and colors I could add...taking those spontaneous risks made it all feel so alive. What energy it inspired in myself, my collaborators, and the audience! It was palpable and fueled the excitement and joy more! This is the professional world. And I LOVE it! I cannot wait for this to be my life all the time! :)

above photo credits to my cousin Elana

above photo credits to my friend Bradley, who was taking screen
shots during the live-stream! :)

(More photos to come when I receive the disc from my aunt's camera!)

It was an absolute JOY to share this program with everyone! I cannot wait to do it, again! :) It is a weird feeling that it is "over," but I also know that it is really just the beginning. One of the really exciting things about this program is that literally each and every piece will be like a permanent fixture in my personal repertoire, to be sung for years and years to come. What a treat!

And if you were not able to tune in, never fear! Once I receive my recordings, I will be doing a little YouTube posting! ;)

I barely slept that evening, though, and in turn, was so deliriously tired on Friday that I couldn't actually see straight. I went to see my voice coach, who unfortunately couldn't make it to the recital (because I was a total idiot and didn't look at the calendar when I scheduled my recital...and it landed on Holy Thursday. -__- Stupid, Samantha!), and I was like, "I feel drunk, and I only had maybe a quarter a glass of wine last night!" He was laughing so much! Despite not being able to come, he was so overjoyed and had so many things to say and commentary he had heard from all around. I am so lucky to have such caring teachers and coaches! Jayne, too, was the sweetest, checking in with me throughout the entire performance. So blessed. :) 

Now, it's on to the next project in my performing schedule this spring! In just 12 days, I will be performing Debussy's Ariettes Oubliees, once more, on my friend Ya-Chun's collaborative piano recital. (You can tune in for the online live-stream broadcast at this link: http://www.concertwindow.com/shows/ya-chun-shih-collaborative-piano)