Mangaluru: The much talked about splendid violin performance by the 'Abreo Kids' became a reality when they took the stage at the Home for the old, run by The Little Sisters of the Poor, Bajjodi.

Prior to the formal concert and violin recital by the Abreo Kids, the local music band named 'Sol-Melos' took the crowd into a musical world with their popular Konkani, English, Tulu and Kannada folk songs. The programme began with a prayer song by the sisters.

The 'Abreo Kids' - namely Michael (18), Daniel (17), Christine (15), Maria (13), Jane (11), Rachel (9), John (7), Luke (5) and Joseph (3) gave a short and sweet violin performance of 20 minutes, which enthralled the seniors of the old-age home and the audience, who gave a thunderous applause. The nine kids were accompanied by their parents, Dr Gerald Abreo, a Cardiologist, and Nicole. The family had come down from Houston, Texas, USA.

After a brief introduction of the Abreo Family by Zeena Mendonca, an efficient and seasoned compere, it was time for the Abreo nonet to give their best performance. With their violins under their chins, they gave the open-mouthed audience a 20-minute rendition of solos, duets and medleys. The musical performance, rendered with rare precision, was composed by Michael for which he selected sections of each sibling’s recital pieces and put it into a medley. Musical tunes namely 'Jimmy Fiddles a Tune', 'Two Grenadiers/ Witches Dance', 'Donkey Doodle', 'Puppet Show', 'Seitz', 'Irish Canon' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean' were performed by the Abreo nonet, which received thunderous applause from the audience. Two of the young sisters also gave a foot-tapping Irish dance performance, which mesmerized the audience.

The Abreo Violin Family is a great ambassador of the Indian value system. They are humble, humane and compassionate towards people. The family cares for others. To make both ends meet is a phrase about balancing revenue and expenditure. People are afraid to have more children because of economic factors. When we look at the family, we see the blessings in many aspects. Dr Gerard Abreo is a simple human being a cardiologist having his own clinic and practice in Texas, America. He is a sportsman, musician, and society builder.

The chief guest for the programme, Cecilia Albuquerque , who manages a 150-year-old tile business - A Albuquerque and Sons, in Mangaluru, addressed the gathering said, “I really compliment the talented nine Abreo kids who gave us a superb violin performance. These kids have followed their parents footsteps to be great musicians. Without music, life would be a mistake. Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. Music is a language that does not speak in particular words. Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. I also compliment the Abreo parents for raising their kids with music talents. We should also follow in the footsteps of this family – having a family with many kids is always fun. It is always a blessing when we have many kids in the house.”

After being honoured as having the 'model family life' on occasion, Dr Gerard Abreo said, "When material prosperity goes into our heads, it causes damage to our faith in God. We should not allow anything to challenge our faith in God. Faith lost is equal to life lost. My inclination to the little sisters began in my college days. It is incredible serving the aged and poor when no visible rewards are attached to it. What makes people serve the less privileged is the faith in God. The west is struggling to bring back God into their life. Families are scattered and shattered. People turn their back to God. They believe their wealth can bring them happiness. At the end it is distrust and loss to humanity. It is always better to be poor in spirit. The Little Sisters of the Poor have healed many people by taking care of them. We can see the emotional healing, physical healing and mental healing of the inmates and we can see the real healing of these lonely people who are gathered here in large numbers. We always like to come back to Mangaluru and perform for these older folks, and I promise I will be back again. Thanks for your patronage and making my family happy with your presence.”

The family of nine children and their parents were honoured during the programme. Nicole, the mother of nine was honoured and felicitated in special, being her birthday soon. The family had inherited musical talents from her father Gerald Lobo and Uncle F M Lobo of 'Sangeeth Vihar', Bejai. The Abreo family members were honored with garland and flower bouquet - Dr Gerard Abreo was felicitated by chief guest Cecilia Albuquerque, a well-known classical violinist and a talented wizard on the violin, Nicole Abreo was greeted by Sr Josephine, mother superior, ‘The Little Sisters of the Poor’, Bajjodi, Michael Abreo by Dr Michael Lobo a well-known Genealogist who has written several volumes about the Konkani Christians of South Kanara, Daniel by Fr Valerian D’Souza the parish priest of Milagres Church, Mangaluru, Christine by Sr Olivia AC the former principal of St Agnes College, Maria by comm Tony Sequeira, Jane by Sr Ancilla Pinto mother superior of St Anjela’s convent, Bejai, Rachel by Romeo D’souza who held a high position in IIT, Madras and was placed at Nigeria, John by William Pais a renowned Social Worker, Luke by Dr S A Mariodoss a professor of Mathematics and Music, and Joseph by Sudhir Raj Kotian the principal of Xavier Industrial Training Centre.

The programme was compered by Dr Jerome Pinto and Zeena Mendonca.

In the vote of thanks, F M Lobo the convener thanked the chief guest and all dignitaries, residents and others. He specially thanked N V Paulose of the Global TV for organizing a press meet at Hamsmart, City Centre on the June 14.