Sérgio and Odair on the radio program Voice of America.
Mazo explained that they had studied with the renowned Monina Távora, a former student of the great Andrés Segovia, and that she lived in Rio de Janeiro. Seu Jorge grew excited: for a long time he had searched for a high-level musical mentor for his sons. Back in Rio, with the mission of scheduling a meeting with the teacher, Mazo soon brought good news.
Immediately, the family hit the road. When they arrived at her home in Botafogo, they were received by a woman of striking firmness who warned them at once: “If your sons aren’t good, you can offer me all the fortune in the world and I still won’t teach them. But if they have talent, I’ll teach them without charging a cent.”
After the audition—which included everything from Mozart’s “Turkish March” to “Disparada,” by Geraldo Vandré—Monina praised them but suggested an additional test. With sheet music from Renaissance and Baroque pieces—styles they knew nothing about—they would have one week to prepare. When she heard them again, she put her hand to her forehead and said: “I never imagined the Abreu phenomenon would happen again.” There was, however, a condition: lessons would have to be weekly. The answer was immediate: “Next week, they’ll be here.”
Before returning, still in Rio de Janeiro, the brothers were invited to appear on the Voice of America program. The interview, preserved in audio, marks one of their first appearances in an international-reaching outlet—and can be heard on this page.
Back in Ribeirão Preto, the decision was made: they would move to Rio de Janeiro. Friends reacted with astonishment. Many thought the idea absurd: “Abandon everything and risk it where nobody knows them, after so much effort?” “All of this because of the sons’ talent?” “A promising future? That’s madness!”
Despite objections, Seu Jorge was fully absorbed by the opportunity—and Dona Ica also sensed something important in the air. Even with their finances finally stabilized, it seemed like the right decision. With the car loaded only with what fit, and a gigantic dream ahead, the family headed for Rio de Janeiro.
Since renting in Botafogo was impossible—far beyond their means—they settled in the suburb of Brás de Pina. There they began again: Seu Jorge, Dona Ica, Cito, Sérgio, Odair, and little Badi, then 2 years old.
