Villa Charities 2018 Annual Report VC19_AnnualReport_Interiors_Apr29_FNL2 | Page 26

“
Enrolling Sophia in the
many programs
throughout the years
that Columbus Centre
provided, allowed her
to spread her wings
artistically, which
opened many doors
and opportunities
for her. ”
arts, youth &
culture profi le
Columbus Centre School of Music
student Sophia Lygdas has an intense
passion for the arts – a passion that fi rst
took root at the Columbus Centre when
she was just three years old and has been
nurtured there ever since.
- Sophia’s Parents,
Thomas and Patrizia
Lygdas
After years of lessons and countless
hours of practice, the 18-year-old has
honed her skills at dance, piano, musical
theatre and most of all, as a vocalist. In
September 2018, Sophia was chosen from
among other Columbus Centre School of
Music students to represent the school at
the Cantagiro International Youth Singers
Competition, in Fiuggi, Italy. There, she
advanced to the semi-finals and, as a
special honour, was selected to sing at
the opening of the competition finals.
“I felt honoured to not only represent a
community I have been part of since a
very young age, but also to have the
opportunity to experience the culture of
the country where my family is from,”
Sophia says. “Being among these mentors
and talented competitors inspired me and
helped me grow as an artist.”
Centre at age 10 and piano lessons a year
later. By then, having studied dance there
for several years, the Centre was already
a major part of her life.
“Sophia is a passionate and gifted singer
who is dedicated to honing her craft,”
says Marco Marrone, her piano instructor
at the Columbus Centre. “Her voice has
the depth and breadth of a seasoned
performer, and the best is yet to come.”
Sophia continue to study music at the
Columbus Centre and is now working
toward the Royal Conservatory of Music’s
top level in voice performance and Level
3 in piano. She also volunteers weekly at
DanzArts Toronto and at a retirement
home, where she sings and plays piano
for residents. She has also previously
volunteered at Columbus Centre Summer
Day Camps.
While at university, Sophia will continue
to follow the music path she began at the
Columbus Centre as she works toward
her ultimate goal – a singing career.
Sophia has performed in many other
recitals, concerts and festivals such as the
Mississauga ITALFEST and has appeared
annually at the Kiwanis Music Festival,
where she consistently earns high scores
and has won numerous scholarships. She
has also played lead roles in several
school musical productions, among them
“Grease” and “The Sound of Music”.
Sophia, who is on track to graduate with
honours as a student from Cardinal Carter
Academy for the Arts in June 2019,
started vocal classes at the Columbus
26
VILLA CHARITIES
ANNUAL REPORT
27