Dear Rico, This proposed series of concerts with Joanne and the GSSO is a very big deal. It returns high-quality classical music to the venues that bred the long-standing Goan relationship with western music (and instruments) that has served our community extremely well for generations, and lifted countless families from the villages of Goa to far better prospects all over the world. It also highlights the hidden world-class infrastructure that already exists in Goa (where we are constantly complaining for lack of facilities/infrastructure) because all these churches are brilliant concert venues, actually better than almost all custom-built 20th century concert venues. Most important, it takes this music directly to the people who will benefit most from the exposure, many of whom are reluctant or intimidated to come to the concert halls of the cities.
Thus, I feel we must get the word out aggressively and with enthusiasm,and also get schools to commit to send their (older) children in force, so that Joanne's generosity here (with Fr. Miranda's encouragement, of course) can have a lasting, multiplying effect that will have far-ranging consequences for the future. I am here to help in whatever way I can, and you need. Since this note is being forwarded to Saligao Net (at your request), I cannot resist mentioning here that the Mae de Deus church was a crucible for the childhood artistic development of the late Francis Newton Souza, the meteorically brilliant artist who is a son of the village. As you know, Souza's paintings have set numerous auction records, and one of his works is the most expensive Indian painting ever. What people may not realize is that Souza cherished his Saligao roots till the end, and in fact painted elements from this church in his artworks throughout his long life. His most recent big seller at auction (The Red Road, sold for a bit over a million US$) was simply a stylized depiction of Mae de Deus, with the road to Calangute stretched off to one side. Thus, it is immensely pleasing to witness another generation of artistic genius (and make no mistake, Joanne is a very special talent) take possession of what is obviously hallowed space. All best, VM --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ This message comes via the Google Groups "Saligao-Net" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net?hl=en Please post regularly to keep the e-village active! -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
