Victoria Griffith blends classical, gospel in Soundwaves: A Musical Journey

BAVINA SOOKDEO

Classically-trained soprano Victoria Griffith will put on her concert, Soundwaves: A Musical Journey, on October 5.

Known for her ability to blend the precision and clarity of classical music with the emotional intensity of gospel, the 41-year-old’s performances transcend genre, making her an artist who is versatile and inspiring.

The concert will take place at the Oasis Garden Terrace, 101 Circular Road, San Fernando. The event will feature a blend of classical, contemporary, gospel, and world music in multiple languages, including French, Latin, Italian, English, and Hindi.

"The concert is a mini-production and also the soft launch of VGL Productions, my new music production venture,” she explained.

From a young age, Griffith was immersed in music.

“Attending and being active in church and church-related ministries was and still is a way of life. Growing up, every Sunday, I was exposed to music during worship services.”

Her parents, Elder James Griffith and Pastor Patricia Griffith, were involved in many evangelical outreach missions.

“One group in particular was New Creations Outreach for Jesus which travelled every second Saturday of the month to a different location throughout Trinidad, hosting open-air crusades with huge speaker boxes and a gospel singing group. This group also travelled to numerous Caribbean islands every year during the July-August period. My family, inclusive of my sister, brother and I, were a part of the group. This was my musical foundation.”

Griffith’s father, a self-taught guitarist, laid the foundation for her musical journey, and her experiences in the church certainly nurtured her love for gospel music. Later, a pivotal moment came at 16 when she attended Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

“It was epic and left a lasting impression.” This experience, coupled with her time at Grambling State University in Louisiana, where she was encouraged to join the choir and pursue classical training, solidified her passion for combining both genres.

“This journey also took me on tour with the choir throughout America in several states. We even came to Trinidad and sang at a few schools for recruitment. I also had the opportunity to compete at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions Conference, in the Senior Female Division against music majors from varying schools from other Southern States in the USA and won. My classical training has been fundamental in shaping my approach to contemporary and gospel music.”

Griffith's concert will feature a stellar cast of performers, including Neval Chatelal, John Thomas, Ancil Valley, and Rex-Anne Bobb-Nicholas, with live accompaniment by renowned conductor Jessel Murray.

“I wanted to create a production that takes the audience around the world through music,” said Griffith.

Patrons can expect "an opportunity to be transported for two hours to a place of inspirational, uplifting entertainment."

She hopes that Soundwaves will be the first of many similar productions in south Trinidad.

“This is my first concert of this type. My intention is to continue to deliver productions similar to this one for like-minded artistes to have a platform to use their gifts and talents to inspire and bless.”

Looking ahead, Griffith is already excited about two upcoming Christmas projects: a classical dinner concert, in Aruba, and a three-night live concert, Christmas on the Hill, at the Oasis Garden Terrace.

Music is not Griffith’s only passion. As a licensed massage therapist for over 13 years, she also finds fulfillment in healing others. Noting that her work in this field has been a rewarding balance to her life as an artist she said, “Massage therapy as an alternative method of healing has always intrigued me. The desire was met with the opportunity to study it locally and I seized it and became a licensed massage therapist over 13 years ago.”

She said through massage therapy, she is grateful to assist people who have been injured or are just in need of relief from stress or simply to improve circulation.

“The benefits of this form of therapy are numerous. For me, it is intrinsically rewarding and adds to my holistic peace of mind.”

Griffith is also the 2022 Musical Festival winner in the Oratorio Solo – Upper Voices and the 2024 winner in Operatic Aria and Most Outstanding Female Vocalist. She has consistently sought to bring classical music to the forefront in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I’ve had the privilege of being a part of several classical based concert, group and performances, like Brian Mac Farlane’s Christmas Joy, John Thomas' Believe, Chandelier Productions and MW productions where classical music is celebrated and performed and with each opportunity to sing my prayer and hope is that, I minister, uplift, inspire and leave the audience with a lasting transformative experience.”

Her journey has not been without challenges, but she approaches each one with resilience and faith.

She said, “Proverbs 18:16 (says) 'A man's gift makes room for him'" (NKJV). God has put a gift or talent in every person that the world will make room for. It is this gift that will enable you to fulfil his vision for your life.”

Soundwaves: A Musical Journey begins at 6 pm. Tickets are available at Maranatha Bookstore in San Fernando.