Soleil Garcia-Johnson

About this Offering

I chose to offer this piece because I thought it was a beautiful portrayal of the concept of emotional vulnerability. The first time I read this poem, I was actually shocked, because I had never come across a piece where the singer discusses not hiding their emotions, rather than hiding them, which is quite a trope for the female opera and art song character. I found it inspiring that the mother in the text allowed herself to be moved by the music, and allowed herself to cry. I found it even more inspiring that because of the mother’s emotional vulnerability during the speaker’s childhood, the speaker felt comfortable expressing their emotions as an adult.

I know I often struggle with bottling up feelings, especially when I feel so stressed that I convince myself there is no time for emotional awareness. I wanted to perform this piece as a reminder that it is okay to feel whatever you’re feeling, and it's also okay to express it. Only through the release of our emotions can we truly let things go.

Peace Builder Biography

My name is Soleil Garcia-Johnson, and I’m from Michigan. I’m pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at U-M, but I also love to play the piano!