I dreamed for a long time to be able to one day see Bocelli live. I wanted my parents to experience it as well. I would hunt for tickets and end up never purchasing because of their price. Well, the price is very much worth it because the concert is an incredible experience. Your spirit almost leaves your body and has no other thoughts but to enjoy and take in the sound of the hall. The energy is electric, the passion for music is effervescent, and the chemistry between all the talents is mesmerizing. How can I possibly know this without ever having gone to see him live?

I know this because God arranged for me to PLAY on the same stage as Bocelli. I didn't just attend a concert. I got to participate, accompany, collaborate with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra players, and make life long memories alongside like-minded and passionate individuals. I met Loren Allred and spoke to Nadine Sierra. The kindness and professionalism as well as the humble presence of every individual truly filled up the venues. I was blessed enough to play in the Orlando AND Miami shows for Bocelli's 'Believe' Tour. How could little ol' me have this incredible experience? Maybe a miracle. Maybe God saw me. He saw how hard this year was for me and how many tears I cried in secrecy while other badmouthed me, belittled me, and put me in a box of their creation for my life. 

Maybe this experience is the biggest and most profound one I will ever have while I live on this earth. I wish Mr. Bocelli knew how thankful I am for his gifts and existence. I wish he knew that I grew up singing his music with my dad and that my soul felt renewed whilst playing 'Time to Say Goodbye' and 'Vivo Per Lei'. I wish I knew if I'll ever do this again. Either way, I am thankful. 2021 has ended on a superb note (no pun intended) and I could not be more overjoyed. 

Thank you to God. Thank you to my parents. Thank you to the Orlando Phil, and thank you to Andrea Bocelli. 

I am so thankful that my graduate recital was a success. You can check it out on my YouTube Channel which has it all in 4 parts. I worked hard despite the fact that it was not an easy semester for me. Personal problems, health concerns, and all kinds of stress inducing situations made it diffcult for me to believe that I'd ever finish this degree or even succeed at completing this recital. Could it have been better? YES. Could I have played at a higher quality? 1000000% 
Am I happy and thankful that I at least put on a brave face, showed up and played my heart out? Most definitely. 
​