Eickel, who currently lives in Connecticut, will be making the cross-country trip to North Dakota to perform with her friend, Emerson Eads, assistant professor of music at MSU.

“I met Dr. Eads in 2008 at a production of ‘Madama Butterfly’ with Opera Fairbanks in Alaska, where he was the chorus master at the time,” said Eickel. “I remember being so impressed with the chorus. It was beautifully done.”

The pair bonded over music with a meaning, especially environmentally themed songs – a topic close to Eickel’s heart.

“In 2020 I started commissioning songs. Specifically, music that was environmentally themed or something that had a deep connection to the world,” Eickel said. “When I am not singing, I work with the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. It’s a faith-based environmental organization, so it is a topic I am very passionate about.”

At her recital, accompanied by pianist Briana Schwan, Eickel will perform a number of songs, including the world premiere of “Everywhere is Archipelago,” a new song cycle composed by Eads on poetry by Connecticut Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize nominee Margaret Gibson.

“Teresa had asked me during COVID to put together a song cycle for her based off of Margaret Gibson’s poetry, and, of course, I agreed,” said Eads.

Gibson’s poetry shows an adoration for nature and the connection each human being has to the Earth, and is a call to each to manage and protect it.

“I am so excited to bring this song cycle to life, “ Eickel said. “It combines two things that are incredibly important to me – protecting nature and making music.”