If you haven’t heard hername before, chances are you soon will. This talented musician has already made her mark on the local scene and appear poised to take the next big leap to stardom. Aleesia Stamkos’s message echoes throughout 16-year-old Victoria Fragomeni’s world. While quietly waiting in the wings to perform at one of Vaughan’s many prestigious gala events, she softly hums the meditative tune of an unknown melody. Moments later, a captivated audience relishes in her smooth, euphonious rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s Nessun Dorma. Not an easy aria to sing but young Victoria delivers it effortlessly. As her majestic voice cascades over the final stanza, a loud cheer erupts across the room. Having performed professionally since the age of nine, this is not the first time the classical soloist has received such a big ovation. “I love doing big songs and seeing how people react to my singing. It makes me want to do better. It’s a great feeling to know that I can affect them in such a positive way,” she says. Victoria’s exposure to music began when she was still in the womb. Her mother, who had learned of the calming effects associated with music and pregnancy, surrounded herself with modern-day classical ballads. Whether this was the catalyst or if genetics played a factor, there is no denying that she was born with a special gift. Seven years later, while listening to her perform in a school Christmas concert, Victoria’s parents recognized her incredible talent and immediately enrolled her in vocal lessons. Her earliest role model was her paternal grandfather, Giuseppe. Best friend to Victoria and mentor, he nurtured her singing ability until his death in 2010, whereupon her father took over management of the youngster’s budding career. “My father is my rock. He takes care of all my bookings and whatever else needs to be done. My mother is my number one fan. They both are really supportive and believe in what I’m doing,” said Victoria. Currently attending the Regional Arts Program at St. Roch Secondary School in Brampton, education within the musical spectrum is a journey she plans to continue at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston. For one so young, Victoria’s determination, maturity and musical style are reflective of an old soul. “I do my best to balance my singing with school and friends. But if there’s a party going on at the same time I have to perform at an event, I really couldn’t care less about the party!” she admits. Within the last two years she has bewitched audiences all over the city, appearing at the CNE Bandshell as well as at numerous other public engagements. She also makes time to venture into the recording studio where she is currently working on her newest project—a modern-day classical album. Though just 16, Victoria displays an impressive maturity and a philanthropic bent, supporting Caritas (an addiction rehabilitation centre in the GTA) as well as donating the proceeds of her performances to cancer research. She also looks at another dimension of life. “I want to make a whole career out of my singing, but I also want to get married one day and have a family. It just can’t be all about this. There has to be more.”
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:30:14 +0000
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