Allegria Musica

Music for the Heart
By Linda Ward-Barnes
March 17, 2005
Etc...News

Francesca Blandizzi’s musical journey started at the age of five and has continued ever since. Born in Toronto two years after her Italian parents arrived in Canada, Francesca has sung in Spanish, English and Italian. An accomplished singer as well as a songwriter, Ms. Blandizzi brings a lot of heart to her music both in lyrics and in her performances.

Her involvement with Friends of the Heart faculty has added a lot to her life on many levels. Meditation has played a key role in the development of her music and in her own personal growth. She was first introduced to meditation when she was in university. Francesca attended York University and graduated with a degree in psychology. She has been studying meditation with Catherine Jetsun Yeshe since 1992. Francesca has also received teachings from Karma Thinley Rinpoche. In 2001 Francesca began teaching a beginner’s class and has been doing that ever since. She specializes in meditation involving voice training and mantra. From her own personal experience she believes that meditation works and with many benefits. Francesca can also feel the difference it has made in her voice, singing and songwriting. The hard part is staying committed and doing it regularly.

Francesca’s choice of music is varied and she is comfortable in a variety of genres from jazz and blues to folk to pop and beyond. Ms. Blandizzi has sung as a guest and a solo artist in various venues including the Renaissance Café on the Danforth (a favourite venue of many East end artists). She has always enjoyed the Taste of the Danforth and the Italian Festival at Monarch Park. She performed at that festival a few years ago and related how fantastic it was to look out at the audience and see the faces of many of her family friends. Having attended the festival as she was growing up and seeing many other performers it was wonderful to perform there as an adult.

Her musical training includes voice classes with Peggy Mahon (teaches in the East end) and Louis Lambert. She has studied music theory, ear training at the Royal Conservatory of Music, acting, Latin dance, flamenco, tango, jazz dance, African dance and hand drumming. The drumming is something Francesca would like to explore a little more in the hopes of incorporating it with her music. One of the songs you can check out on the music site “Red Wine” has percussion in it. It is hard for Francesca to describe her music but others have declared that it as “raw, vibrant and alive”.

The common element in all her songs is that honest, gutsy and soulful quality that she thinks touches the listener. Francesca explained, “Connecting with the audience is what is most important to me. It’s not about how great I am or look. It’s about singing from an open and honest place and reaching out to touch another heart. That openness and connection is the greatest compliment and gift. That’s what I aspire to.”

When it comes to songwriting usually the lyrics and melody come to her at the same time. When the lyrics and melodies are written she collaborates with Danny McErlain who is a well-known pianist. She sings him her song and he does his ‘magic thing’. Francesca raved about his incredible skill and that he is able to capture the essence of her music and create a framework of music for the picture she wants to paint.

Francesca is working towards a full album. She has six songs recorded and is preparing another. She hopes to soon have an EP and mp3 files for sale on her website. You can listen to some of her music on www.allegriamusica.com. She is currently planning a Spring concert so check out the website for details.

Singing and writing have not only been her lifeline but have always given her a way to express herself. It’s what keeps her going. Her music is definitely heartfelt. Francesca’s long term wish is to continue sharing the gift of healing through song as well as develop new ways to support and encourage other artists in their individual journeys.