As the semester comes to a close, our seniors are preparing to turn the page and begin a new chapter. Among them, two are leaving a lasting impression on UMass Boston through the power of artistic expression.

For senior music major Lillie Harris, who uses she/they pronouns, the upcoming Senior Honors Recital is more than just a final academic project — it’s a deeply personal tribute to someone who’s been a guiding light since day one, their mother.

Harris, who’s been immersed in the performing arts since elementary school, traces her musical passion back to high school, where rigorous training in chamber choir sparked a lasting passion for music and singing.

That dedication to the craft has culminated in a thoughtfully curated recital, set to take place April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall in University Hall. After pitching the idea to Dr. David Patterson in November and receiving departmental approval, Harris spent weeks crafting a plan for her performance. The theme centers on songs tied to memories of their mother — tunes from childhood and special requests that have bonded them over the years.

“My mom is one of my favorite people in the world. She’s been not only my biggest supporter since day one, but an inspiration for me,” Harris said. “I created the performance around her to showcase that her unwavering support hasn’t been in vain. I’ve come far and worked really hard to get here, and I want her to see it. Most of all, I want to make her proud.”

The recital will feature eight diverse covers, ranging from pop to classical. Though the full setlist remains under wraps, audiences can expect a dynamic performance, with contributions from an ensemble of talented student musicians. Vocalists Layla Giordano and Kristina Gavelis, both officers in UMBeats, UMass Boston’s a cappella club, will provide backup vocals. Instrumentalists Angel Yepes, Sonia Chan, Shane Cudworth and Felicia Osbourne round out the group on piano, bass and drums.

“My favorite thing about this performance is performing with other student musicians,” Harris said. “Sure, I could have an hour-long show that’s just me singing with a piano accompanist, but it’s so fulfilling to collaborate with other artists.”

Following Harris’ performance, fellow senior music major Orionis Manzira, who uses he/they pronouns, will take the stage to present a recital of his own — an equally moving and deeply personal showcase of music and identity. Their recital will be held April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall in University Hall.

Manzira’s love for music began at age 12, when a friend encouraged them to join a choir. Despite pressure from their family to focus on academics, they followed their passion and never looked back. After transferring to UMass Boston, he cofounded UMBeats, the university’s student a cappella group, to continue fostering that passion.

“I always knew I wanted to pursue music for a long time,” Manzira shared. “I’m just glad this has been an outlet for me to do so.”

The inspiration for their recital came in an unexpected but profound way: an episode of the animated series “Big Mouth” in which a character comes out as queer. The moment struck a chord with Manzira, who reflected on their own experience coming out as transgender to their mother.

“I thought, ‘wow, I really relate to this, that would be a really powerful piece if I did a recital about my life.’ Then I thought, ‘oh, wait a minute, why don’t I just do that?’” He recalled.

From there, Manzira began crafting a performance that traces their journey through gender identity, expression and self-acceptance. As a Black, queer, trans student, they hope their story resonates with others who may feel unseen.

“It was important for me to portray how I became the person I am now,” he said. “I wanted to include every thought and struggle I faced along the way, in case other trans audience members might see themselves in my story.”

The performance is both a deeply personal expression and a broader message of solidarity.

“I really just wanted to show that people like us exist and that we are here. This administration is constantly trying to erase us, but this is me speaking on behalf of my community and saying that we need to show up now more than ever, even though it’s scary,” Manzira said. “We need to show them we have love, we have community, we have resilience and we have passion.”

While some songs are covers, most are original pieces by Manzira. The program features an ensemble of vocalists and musicians, including Tirzah Suribory, Caroline Howard, Nia Floyd, Mya-Jai Ackles, Nic Walsh and professor Linnea Bardarson.

“I just hope audiences will take away a sense of joy, love, compassion, open-mindedness, comfort, community and a reminder to hold your friends close,” said Manzira.

Show your support and help send off these artists as they share their vulnerability and creativity for everyone to see. These seniors leave UMass Boston with voices that will echo far beyond the stage.