In her youth, Leopoldina Figueiredo aspired to be a soprano, though she never anticipated that her aspirations would come to fruition. Maestro Fr Camilo Xavier, a distinguished conductor and composer, discerned genuine talent behind her dreams and took it upon himself to cultivate her abilities. Maria Leopoldina Margarida do Rosario Figueiredo, daughter of the late José Sebastião dos Remédios de Figueiredo and niece of the esteemed Maestro António Fortunato de Figueiredo, hailed from Loutolim. After receiving training in Italy, she emerged as a celebrated soprano, gracing numerous concerts and operas such as "Lucia di Lammermoor" and "La Traviata," initially under the direction of her uncle, Maestro António, and later imparting her knowledge at the Academia and the Western music department of Kala Academy. During one captivating performance, she executed the high notes of Mozart's beloved "Alleluia" from "Exsultate, Jubilate" with remarkable skill. The Portuguese governor of Goa, Vassalo e Silva, who was present in the audience, was so taken by her performance that he urged her to pursue a scholarship for advanced studies abroad. Figueiredo traveled to Rome to study Bel Canto, a lyrical operatic singing style, at a time when it was rare for a woman in her twenties to embark on such a journey alone. Following Liberation, she chose not to remain in Europe, opting instead to contribute to her homeland despite the financial challenges this decision entailed. Leopoldina stood out as the sole Indian member of the 33-member Philharmonic Choir, which included Spanish, African, and Italian singers, and she quickly began performing throughout Europe. The choir toured Bulgaria and Germany, and in Catania, Italy, they performed under the baton of Stravinsky. In London, the choir recorded at the BBC studio and became the first Catholic group to perform at Westminster Abbey in four decades.
In 1964, Leopoldina earned her diploma in Bel Canto and, with some financial assistance, was able to return to her homeland. In 1966, she joined the Academia de Musica in Goa as an assistant professor, continuing in this role until her retirement in 1990, following the merger of the academia with Kala Academy. Under the direction of maestro Fr. Lourdino Baretto, she organized numerous concerts and operettas, including productions of "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Sound of Music," and "My Fair Lady" for her students. She is fondly remembered as a wise and generous mentor. Under the guidance of Antonio Figueiredo, the unabridged version of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Traviata" was performed for the first time in Goa. The arrangement was crafted by the Goan maestro, with Leopoldina taking on the lead role alongside Miguel Cotta, marking a significant cultural event in Goa.
‘Dona Leopoldina was a great lover of all types of songs. She attended my Konkani musical shows at Clube Harmonia de Margão and would insist on meeting the singers and shower praises onto them for singing the Konknni kantaram they did. Such praises from her would encourage us and we had such musical shows every year from 2011 to 2015. And she had attended at least three performances of ours. In her own manner, she would advise the singers how to enhance their singing’, says Arlindo de Miranda from Margão
With the support of Maestro Emiliano da Cruz from Curtorim and under the direction of Dr. Pervez, she also performed at Patkar Hall in Mumbai. Despite her dedication to music, she faced challenges after Goa's liberation in 1961, which led to the cancellation of her scholarship by Portugal. In her pursuit of continuing her music education, she took on various odd jobs, such as babysitting, to support herself in a foreign land, as her parents were unable to provide financial assistance due to restrictions on sending money abroad at that time.
Leopoldina became a member of the philharmonic choir, which enabled her to finance her education. As the sole Indian in the 33-member group, she toured various countries in Europe, performing in Bulgaria and Germany. In addition to her choir commitments, she also showcased her talent through solo and duet performances in Rome as part of her studies. In 1964, she fulfilled her aspiration by earning a diploma in 'bel canto' and successfully returned home in May 1965. Having studied at the Presentation Convent in Margão, Leopoldina hailed from a family deeply rooted in music. After retiring, Leopoldina devoted time to her other passion—cooking. She authored a book called ‘Sukville Savouries’, featuring recipes for snacks, pies, tarts, and cakes, many of which were passed down to her from her late mother. She also offered cooking classes upon request.
D. Figueiredo consistently sought opportunities to connect with the youth through music. "I have so many children to love. I love the youth and I feel ten years younger when I'm with them," she often said. She continued to impart her musical knowledge to young people, including those with special needs. Over the years, her focus shifted, and she returned to her culinary expertise, teaching students simple recipes to engage them and divert their attention from other ills. To this day, she was actively involved in creating pastries, including exotic treats such as empadinhas (pork pies) and pasteis de Santa Clara.
‘I met D. Leopoldina very briefly while passing by Rua Abade Faria not many years ago. She was very passionate about whatever aspects of Goa she spoke about. I immediately bought her slender book, and then read of the passion and purpose with which she wrote it. (When we shared some pages of it -- with due credit -- online, everyone would appreciate it widely.) Was seeking permission to create an ebook of it, so that it could spread her knowledge. Its front cover reads: "Dedicated to the youngsters of our time" and, with all modesty, she only claims to have "presented" the work. I learnt of her musical talent only when people mentioned it online. She will be long remembered... with the best tribute a good
person can get: many happy memories’, says Frederick Noronha, journalist and alternative publisher from Saligão.
When asked, what significance did music hold to her, she said, ‘Music is not a mere construct; it originates from a profound inner place’, she emphasized, ‘It transcends sentimentality, embodying a divine essence that soothes both the mind and spirit. However, I am referring to music, not mere noise’, she specified. She consistently believed that music should possess a tranquil influence, promoting relaxation throughout one's entire being.