My first “real” blog
On December 5th I lost my beloved mother Else Borges, who in so many ways guided me down this path of mine, both philosophically and as a musician. After the initial shock and pain, it became apparent to me that honoring her life and investing more of myself into everything I did as a musician and as a human being was the only way to keep her presence alive in my life.
Her generosity to the arts and children was a thread which ran through her lifetime, so I decided to create a foundation for the arts that bears her name and that follows her beliefs. Towards that end, I have established the Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives and will give an inaugural benefit concert on June 1st at the Forum at 3pm to help raise funds. The program traces the history of music for unaccompanied violin from Bach to Paganini, Ysaye and Piazzolla, including the Harrisburg premiere of 3 of the six Tango Etudes. There may also be surprises…..
Mom often quoted India’s first prime-minister Nehru to me. ” Success comes to those who dare and act- it seldom comes to the timid ones” she would say, with a sort of sagatious smugness in her voice that, at once, was a call to action and questioned whether I understood the application of such a mantra. Well, I think I got it, as questioning the status quo and moving down unique artistic roads have indeed become a large part of who I am today.
The Foundation shall not be dedicated to operating budgets of existing non-profit organizations, but to daring initiatives that bring real artistic excitement and cultural self- esteem to our community. Anything from sending the Harrisburg Symphony to Carnegie Hall to a live telecast of a Market Square Concersts performance would represent the types of initiatves our board would look seriously at. The board of directors will include artists and business leaders who fully understand and honor my mother’s philosophies on philanthropy and its place in the arts. The Foundation will also raise money for me to visit inner city schools and to arrange for the musical training of several under priviliged but talented children.
In the next month or so, my publicists and I will hold a press conference in Harrisburg to announce officially the establishment of the Foundation and of two other entities, the Pro Musicis Ensemble (a string orchestra dedicated primarily to recording and some touring) and West Branch Records ( an internet - based music label), that will be the primary source of future recording projects.
Fly Magazine has also decided to feature an interview with me concerning some of these projects for the April Issue, so keep your eyes out.
As I write this, my wife is fervently typing entries into my calendar page, so friends and presenters can stay abreast of where I’ve been and where I’m headed so to speak. Several summer dates are being revised, changed or cancelled in anticipation of recording sessions scheduled for September, and more importantly, to allow for family affairs and a much needed sabbatical to practice! It is silly to plan things and then not carry them through with integrity, I think.
That is all for now. Thanks for reading.
February 13th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Odin,
What a lovely tribute to your mother! Honor your mother and father is the 5th commandment. The Else Borges Foundation for Arts Initiatives is a wonderful way to continue the honor that you showed her while she was with you. And such a good example for your children. God will bless you for this.
I hope to support you by coming to the concert on June 1st.
All the best,
Kathy O’Donnell
February 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
i am glad that i am on your weblist. i enjoyed your 1st “real” blog and look forward to reading others to learn more about the 1 June benefit, when we will plan to attend, and your forward progress. i am still awating your reply with new address location. richard
March 12th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hey Richard! Good to hear from you. My number is the same, so keep in touch!
March 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hey this website is awesome and is great to hear about your mother’s foundation… Wishing you the best to make it come through.
April 8th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Hey Odin,
Man– what a beautiful tribute to your Mother! You are blessed to have had such a passionate and incredibly spiritual soul guiding you for so many years. Your Mom is a big part of who you have become as a man. Know that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As your mom has touched you and everyone around her, you continue her legacy through the various musical and philanthropic endeavors that you are involved with. Keep that torch goin’ my friend!!! That light just might be what saves us all! God Bless my friend! Let’s get together and do some fishing soon– maybe Memorial Day weekend! I’ll call!
Peace,
Matt