By Cherisse Moe, HER Magazine
When you think of classical music, the world-renowned greats like Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin may come to mind. But in Trinidad and Tobago, Victoria Griffith stands out as a leading figure in this underrepresented genre.
With 20 years of classical music training under her belt, her expressive and mellifluous vocals captivate audiences and have earned her the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival title in the Operatic Aria-Upper Voices category.
To truly appreciate Griffith’s musical journey, we must go all the way back to when she was 16, attending The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway in New York City with her mother and brother. The spirited musical, with its mix of classical, romantic, and operatic styles, mesmerised her and left a lasting impression.
Years later, while studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Grambling State University in the US, her choir directors recognised her exceptional singing talent and encouraged her to enroll in one-on-one Applied Voice classes.
She had an epiphany, realising her true calling as a classical singer. Before long, she was touring with the university choir throughout the United States and even won the highly-contested National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions Conference.
“I learned so much from participating in that category,” Griffith shares during our interview earlier this week. “And was truly surprised and encouraged to grace the stage with some of the Southern State’s finest music groups.”
Now 41, Griffith has made a name for herself not only in the classical genre, but also as a gospel performer with the multi-award-winning Gates Praise. The music outfit has toured extensively throughout the world — the US, Aruba, Guyana, Suriname — sharing the good news. In 2013, challenged by her senior pastor, Reverend Cecil Quamina, Griffith launched Gospera, her debut EP featuring popular traditional and contemporary gospel covers.
It was well received by audiences in Holland and England who were uplifted and inspired by her performances. The Pointe-a-Pierre native was there on a church mission. She recalls, “It reminds me of the scripture in Proverbs 18:16 – A man’s gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men. God truly showed up and exceeded my expectations.” Then, five years later, she released her first full-length Christmas album, Just for You, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist with a collection of 12 beloved Christmas tracks in classical, jazz, contemporary, and world styles.
With decades of experience, memories, and triumphs, and having been part of several local productions — including Brian Mc Farlane’s Christmas Joy and John Thomas’ Believe — Griffith feels she is ready for Soundwaves — A Musical Journey, her first mini-production. Scheduled for October 5, it features a powerful cast including Neval Chatelal, John Thomas, Ancil Valley, Rex-Anne Nicholas, and live accompaniment by Jessel Murray. Soundwaves offers an eclectic blend of classical, opera, and other musical styles, delivered in different languages.
A South girl through and through, the production will be held in San Fernando at the scenic Oasis Garden Terrace. Griffith promises a truly memorable experience and views the event as a soft launch for VGL Productions which she says aims to produce classical and spiritual presentations with a hint of theatre.
Growing up as a pastor’s kid, music was a constant presence in Griffith’s life. Her dad is a self-taught guitarist, and her brother plays the pan and drums. “Every Sunday I was exposed to music during worship services. My parents, now Elder James Griffith and Pastor Patricia Griffith, were involved in many evangelical outreach missions. Their group, New Creations Outreach for Jesus, travelled every second Saturday to a different location throughout Trinidad, hosting open-air crusades with huge speaker boxes and a gospel singing group,” she tells us. “This was the foundation for my singing.”
Off stage, this singer is a woman of many talents. She holds a Master’s degree in entrepreneurial management, has over 13 years of experience as a massage therapist and 15 years as an event planner. Griffith believes in the power of pursuing one’s passions without limitations; and advises those working diligently to achieve their dreams, “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3). Do not limit God. He will lead you to your purpose, according to His plan and design.”
Don’t delay exploring your passions, she further encourages, stating that, today, there are countless opportunities and programmes available to help you on your journey. “Don’t let fear dictate your future.”
