Chicago’s The CheckOut is set to present “Awake to Life,” an evening of vocal works by composer Matthew Recio, on March 2, 2026.

The showcase features songs written during Recio’s years in Chicago and is performed entirely by Chicago-based artists, including soprano Rachel Blaustein, tenor Karim Sulayman, baritone Nicholas Ward, and pianist Mark Bilyeu. Additional performers include cellist David Sands and clarinetist Michael Tran.

Among the works performed are “Benediction” for soprano and piano (poetry by Christina Ramirez); “Full of Life, Now” for soprano and piano (poetry by Walt Whitman); “Every Lovely Shining Thing” for soprano and piano (poetry by Jerre Dye); “Heartbeat’s Hollow” from The Hollow for soprano, cello, and clarinet (poetry by Alejandra Martinez); “The Oak Tree and the Cypress” for baritone and piano (poetry by Kahlil Gibran); “When First I Felt It” from The Hollow for baritone, cello, and clarinet (poetry by Alejandra Martinez); “Touch the Water” for baritone and cello (poetry by Anna Gatdula); “Body Remember” for baritone and piano (poetry by C. P. Cavafy); “My Still Lips” for baritone, cello, clarinet, and piano (poetry by Carlos Schaut); “Trinkets” for tenor and piano (poetry by Jenna Lanzaro); “Might Be Equal” for tenor and piano (text by Mary W. Bentley); and “Fata Morgana” for tenor and cello (text by Alejandra Martinez).

“For me, writing is a direct reflection of what I observe in society and the world,” Recio said per an official press release.

The concert commences at 7:30 p.m. local time.

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