Some years ago, in summertime, Dan, my neighbour called me to his courtyard. "Come and meet somebody", he said. Alexandru was on top of an old, off-road vehicle. He was using a lever, and some bulky tools, the size of his arms. I shook a hand full of engine oil. I knew of his creative musical experiments. As a music lover, I had already been impressed by his picturesque approaches, by his play with the violin, and the way in which he managed to bring classical music back to people"s attention. And looking at those levers and at those heavy tools, at the black oil on his hands, I was smiling, imagining Alexandru holding a violin in his hand, and a delicate bow. A strange contrast, sheltered by the same man.
We spoke at length about music, mountains, nature, but also about children and families we work with in Hope and Homes for Children. We discussed about how much thousands of children still suffer in institutions, without love, without attachment, without families. And that is how, somewhat naturally, the initiative of linking music and Alexandru"s violin to the cause of my organisation - was born. Because, as music binds souls together, our projects unite families and save children, offering them love in a family. Alexandru works to the cultural fibers of our soul, the same way in which HHC Romania works for a Romania in which every child lives in a home and in a family.
What Alexandru does through music, we do through action. And the Stradivarius Tour is a stage set up of this complementary vision: on the one hand, culture, violin and the genius of an artist; on the other, the tough reality of the poverty in which thousands and thousands of children and their families strive to stay together, supported by HHC Romania. The Stradivarius Tour confirms the force of the link between Alexandru and HHC Romania. Just as unexpected and dissonant the image of a violin player"s hands full of dirty engine oil, just as vigurous the image of an artist who, by the touch of his bow, remembers everyone that every child needs a family. And that, without this, we stay stuck in a case tormenting our souls, like the skeleton of an old car.
I think that is why I had to know Alexandru with the levers in his hands.
