In August we enjoyed another visit to beautiful Rio de Janeiro, where Eugene participated once again in the Rio International Cello Encounter. We enjoyed a reunion with our new friends, harpist Cristina Braga and producer/bassist Ricardo Medeiros with four concerts in Rio celebrating the release of our new CD, “Paisagem.” Cristina, Ricardo and Eugene were joined in concert by the wonderful pianist Marcos Nimrichter and the great drummer Joca Moraes. 

While the hundreds of photos we brought back from that wonderful trip were lost when our computer crashed ("back-up" has assumed a new and urgent meaning around here), we have been saved somewhat by You Tube. Here are links to two videos from a concert in Copacabana:

Sala Baden Powell, Aug. 2008
Triste, Baden Powell, Aug. 2008


Check out this nice review of the CD: http://musicabrasileira.org/cristinabraga/cbpaisagem.html  

Like so many around the world, we find our thoughts leaping to the hopeful: new beginnings, positive change, a leap toward values that really matter.

We've also discovered, through our dear friend the Celtic harpist and singer Áine Minogue, the poetry of John O'Donahue. His poem "For a Leader" struck us as a  simple yet profound wish for those who seek what's strong and good in the world.

For a Leader

May you have the grace and wisdom to act kindly,
 learning to distinguish between what is personal and what is not.

May you be hospitable to criticism.

May you never put yourself at the centre of things.

May you act not from arrogance but out of service.

May you work on yourself, 
building up and refining the ways of your mind.

May those who work for you know you see and respect them.

May you learn to cultivate the art of presence 
in order to engage with those who meet with you.

When someone fails or disappoints you, 
may the graciousness with which you engage 
be their stairway to renewal and refinement.



 

Eugene's recent performance with Crispin Campbell and string ensemble at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan was a delight. Our heartfelt thanks go to Crispin and his wonderful wife, Carol Navarro, as well as the superb Interlochen musicians -- and audience! -- who extended such a warm welcome. We can't wait to come back.
A few photos from the weekend:

Eugene with Crispin, Lake Michigan.

Crispin and daughter Elara at the show.

Eugene's youngest Michigan fan? Little Clinton, C & C's grandson.

Obama/Clinton, dream team.