As Filipino audiences continue to fill theaters and discover the magic of live performances, a new generation of young artists is also stepping into the spotlight. Among them is 14-year-old soprano Filipino-Italian Lucia Caterina Jalandoni Boschi, a rising talent whose dedication to classical singing proves that age is no barrier to artistic excellence.

A Grade 8 student at Woodrose School in Alabang, Lucia is building an impressive reputation in the world of classical music. Her soaring soprano voice, the highest female vocal range, allows her to perform the demanding repertoire associated with celebrated productions such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Sound of Music,” and “West Side Story.”

As young as she is, Lucia has already earned a Level 5 Distinction from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, an intermediate-level vocal certification awarded with an exceptional score. She has also collected accolades from several international competitions, including first prize in the 2025 Golden Prestige International Music Competition; Platinum in Voice for the European String and Voice Odyssey Awards; and second prize for Voice/Junior level at the International Schubert Competition Vienna in 2025.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Lucia shared how she found her voice, the routines that keep her grounded, and the dreams that continue to inspire her.

Balancing school and music is no easy feat. She spends long hours juggling homework, rehearsals, and vocal training, but she has learned that mindset makes all the difference.

"I take breaks before I burn out and never force anything," she says. "I learned that when I stop treating practice and homework as obligations and simply come to them willingly, they start to feel more like hobbies."

Her daily routine reflects that discipline. She begins each morning with music playing in the background, uses her lunch break to review schoolwork and repertoire, stays after class to finish assignments, and then studies with her best friend over a call. Physical exercise is also part of her schedule before she unwinds at night by playing the guitar or piano, reading, or simply enjoying time for herself.

Lucia's love for singing began at an early age. Family videos captured her constant singing, and she started piano and voice lessons when she was five. The turning point came when her godmother encouraged her to pursue more formal classical training. That recommendation led her to renowned soprano Rachelle Gerodias, whom Lucia credits for introducing her to the beauty of opera and helping her understand the importance of vocal range, tessitura, and tone.

Music also runs in her family. In fact, her dad’s great-grandmother was an opera singer. But pursuing her passion has required sacrifices. She gave up attending CISV camps, an international camp for the youth, because of her demanding schedule and even stopped eating chocolate and nuts to protect her voice, replacing them with ginger tea. Yet these sacrifices have taught her to embrace challenges instead of avoiding them.

“It taught me that we sometimes have to sacrifice for our long-term goals,” she shared. “I now have the willingness to try anything. I’m always the first with my hand up, even when I’m not sure I have the right answer. I used to be so hesitant to try activities that are not in my comfort zone.”

Behind every performance is a family cheering her on. Her mother accompanies her to rehearsals and performances, her sisters handle competition entries and recordings, and her father supports her lessons while helping her with European pronunciation. Her friends celebrate every milestone, and her mother constantly reminds her to remain grateful for the gift she has received. She also expressed her gratitude ti her mentor Rachelle Gerodias and teacher Rachelle Gerodias. 

Looking ahead, Lucia dreams of performing a full opera, studying classical music in Italy or Vienna, and one day taking on the role of Lady Macbeth.

For young Filipinos hoping to pursue music, her advice is simple but important: build a strong technical foundation before tackling difficult pieces.

"Everything I've become is rooted in healthy singing," she says. "Improvement is slow until one day you watch an old video of yourself and cringe. That cringe means you've grown."

For Lucia, every lesson, rehearsal, and performance is another step toward a future shaped not only by talent but also by patience, discipline, and a genuine love for music.