Program Notes:

Welcoming is based on a text by poet Andrea Nicki and tells the story of the varied emotional states one experiences when moving to a new city. Working through self-encouragement, expectation/hope, and loneliness, the narrator finally comes to acceptance regarding this significant life change.

This piece was premiered in Vancouver as part of Art Song Lab 2012 by mezzo-soprano Lynne McMurtry (SUNY College at Fredonia) and pianist Alison d'Amato (Eastman School of Music).

(text excerpted from)

Welcoming
by Andrea Nicki

I welcome myself to this city; as no one else will do it as well;
they don’t know what I can withstand, tolerate, what I cannot.

I welcome myself with the majestic sights, and Alaskan
mountains. I welcome myself with the earth’s beauty. I
welcome myself with hopes and desires, a desire for
joyfulness, an expectation of love.

I welcome myself with these words to surround me like a friend.

I welcome myself with familiar tears. I welcome myself with
loneliness. I welcome myself with my courage and strength:
the lions and tigers of myself.

I welcome myself with my memories.... with things I have survived.