Filicia Morrison: An affair with music
In an era when hip hop is fast becoming the language of young people globally, 21-year-old Filicia Morrison, a dental hygiene student at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Manchester, is a young singer of classical music on the rise. So far, she has received much acclaim for her performances in Kingston and elsewhere.
Morrison did her first classical solo recital at NCU last November. She talks with all woman about her musical journey and her plans for the future.
all woman: How did you become involved with classical music of all genres?
Morrison: Honestly, I was exposed to classical music before NCU, but since I have been here, I have been performing with the different choirs on campus and over time my voice developed. I also did voice training with Curtis Watson. My voice suits this kind of music. I love it.
aw: What is your musical dream?
Morrison: It is my dream to pursue classical music but for the time being I want to finish my dental hygiene studies. My dream is to get a scholarship to study music in the USA because it is more beneficial to do so and that type of music is more appreciated in the US. I want to get to meet the real opera singers. I would love to be in an opera.
aw: Where do you think you inherited this passion for music?
Morrison: From my family, I guess. Ever since I can remember I was singing. I have an uncle who was a very active singer so I guess I got the talent from that side of the family.
aw: How supportive are your family members and friends of your dream to pursue classical music?
Morrison: Initially, I wanted to pursue music full time but my mother decided I would not do it because she thought such a career wouldn’t prosper. However, after she heard me perform at a concert she started supporting me more because she sees the talent I have.
aw: What other genres of music do you dabble with?
Morrison: I am a member of a female gospel quartet, Karis. A group of us girls at NCU formed the group. We released a self-titled CD mainly to help raise funds for the NCU church.
aw: Do you play any instruments?
Morrison: I play the saxophone in the school’s band.
aw: Where do you see your involvement in music in the next five to ten years?
Morrison: I am feeling that by then I will be on scholarship either in the USA or in Austria, where there are a lot of opera houses. I also hope that by that time, I will be producing some opera CDs.
aw: What are some of your other interests?
Morrison: It may sound funny, but everything I do is about music. I hardly get any time to go out. Either I am studying or rehearsing to develop my talent further. As long as I am doing something I love and enjoy, I have no problem.
