Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Jun 24: It was an evening to remember as USA-based Dr Gerald Abreo and his family, acclaimed as the world's largest 'Violin Family' rendered a breathtaking musical performance at the premises of Little Sisters of Poor, Bajjodi here on Wednesday June 24.
Dr Gerald Abreo, who hails from Mangaluru, and 7 other performers, aged from 5 to 16 years, transported the listeners to a whole new world with their magical performance on the violin. The show was organized by Little Sisters of Poor, Bajjodi.
The performance was sponsored for and dedicated to the poor, sick an downtrodden and less fortunate members of society staying at the house of Little Sisters of Poor, Bajjodi.
Dr Gerald Abreo, cardiac surgeon practicing in Texas, USA, is originally from Kulshekar, Mangaluru and his wife Nicole Lobo has her roots at Bejai, Mangaluru. The family had performed in Mangaluru two years ago and impressed the audience. They came back to Mangaluru this time with an added member in the family.
Among the nine children of the family, Michael Joseph (16), Daniel Francis (15), Christine Marie (13), Maria Therese (11), Jane Elizabeth (9), Rachel Ann (7), John Paul (5) performed on the stage. Luke Walter (3) is in a learning stage while the youngest of the family, Joseph, is just one year old.
The Abreo family performed five songs - 'Happy farmer', 'Donkey doodle', short fiddle tune, fiddle medley and mash-up.
Speaking after the performance of the children, Dr Gerald Abreo said, "So far I have given speeches on cadiology, but for the first time I am speaking in general. I have noticed that the number one disease among the elderly is not heart disease but loneliness. So I wanted to thank the Little Sisters of Poor for being divine healers of the elderly poor of the society. 'We have to love the Cross of Jesus and praise God' - that is the message I want to give today . I want to thank all for coming here to enjoy the performance of my children."
Dr Gerald Abreo is a philantrophic doctor who helps many organizations and people with direct support. The family finds joy in sharing, giving and in simple living. In Texas, the children study at home and their mother manages the home without any domestic assistance.
Each child started playing the violin at the age of around three years. The first training is imparted at home by the mother for one year before starting weekly lessons with their teacher. All the seven also can play the piano.
F M Lobo compered the programme.