Sérgio and Odair on the radio program Voz da América.
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 got excited: he had been looking for a high-level musical mentor for his children for a long time. children. Back in Rio, Mazo took on the mission of scheduling a meeting with the teacher and, shortly after, he brought the good news.
Immediately, Seu Jorge and his children were already on the road! When they arrived at their home in Botafogo, they were greeted by a woman of surprising firmness who immediately warned: "If your children are not good, you can offer me all the fortune of the world, that I will not teach them. Now, if they have talent, I'll teach them without charging a penny."
After the presentation — which included everything from Mozart's "Turkish March" to Geraldo Vandré's "Disparada" — Monina praised, but suggested an additional test. With music scores from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, styles that completely unaware, they would have a week to prepare. When she heard them again, she put her hand to her forehead and said: "I never imagined that the Abreu phenomenon would happen again." There was, however, one condition: classes had to be weekly. The response was immediate: "Next week, they will be here."
Before returning, still in Rio de Janeiro, the brothers were invited to participate in the Voz da América program. THE interview, recorded in audio, marks one of his first appearances in a vehicle with international reach — and may be heard on this page.
Back in Ribeirão Preto, the decision had already been made: the family would move to Rio de Janeiro. Friends' reaction it was astonishing. Many found the idea absurd: "Abandon everything and take risks where no one knows you, after so much effort?", "All this because of the children's talent?", "Promising future? This is crazy!"
Despite objections, Seu Jorge was completely absorbed by the opportunity — and Dona Ica also sensed that something important was in the air. Even with the financial situation finally stabilized, that seemed like the right decision. With only what could fit in the car and a gigantic dream ahead of them, the family headed to Rio de Janeiro.
As renting something in Botafogo was impossible — far beyond their means — they settled in the Rio suburb from Brás de Pina. There they started again: Seu Jorge, Dona Ica, Cito, Sérgio, Odair and little Badi, then 2 years old.
