The "art" of deception

Asaf Braverman

"We are a group of people in Miami who practice the methods and teachings of the Fourth Way tradition."

[ed. - This announcement from Asaf Braverman's Gurdjieff website, provides an example of the subtle deception behind virtually all Fellowship of Friends recruiting efforts since its founding in 1970. Braverman is "the brain" behind The Sequence, the Fellowship's latest trance-inducing technique purported to "create presence." In 2005, Burton abandoned the Fourth Way, as taught by Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, and instructed followers to dispose of "work books" by those and other Fourth Way authors. A dramatic member exodus and accompanying loss of revenue no doubt caused Burton and his lieutenants, including Braverman, to rapidly rethink this policy.]

Apollo Symphony Orchestra

Apollo Arts logo

"In 1981, as if by fate, a young conductor named Michael Goodwin moved to Northern California from Germany and learned of this desire of a group of people to form an orchestra ‘from scratch’."

[ed. - The Fellowship of Friends is well-practiced in rewriting its history. Michael Goodwin, a conductor with an established reputation, joined The Fellowship of Friends in Munich, Germany in 1979. It was no coincidence that he later moved to the Fellowship's headquarters to work on what was then called "the orchestra octave".

That it "evolved in a most unusual, yet natural way" is an interesting way of portraying the history. In addition to known musicians, Robert Burton directed some members with no musical experience whatsoever to learn to play an instrument. (This writer's assignment was the string bass, which was after two weeks handed off to a more willing participant.) 6/18: See Apollo Arts' impressive updated website.]

From the Apollo Symphony Orchestra website:

The Apollo Symphony Orchestra’s beginnings evolved in a most unusual, yet natural way, as all music does: it starts from the heart that yearns to be moved by beautiful music. This evolution started in 1977, when a group of people within a small community in Northern California, most of whom were non-professional musicians, wished to form an orchestra. Encouraging and inspiring these people was a professional musician [and Fellowship member] named Anna Gold who had early in her life established an international career as part of a three-sister trio within Russia. Although Anna, who was the pianist, left the stage to raise a family, her sister Zara Nelsova continued her career to great success. Pablo Casals once remarked about Zara: “There are only two great cellists performing today: myself and Zara Nelsova”.

Anna and Zara reached out to many famous friends to schedule a series of Chamber Concerts. The goal of this series was to educate as well as entertain. Among the artists who performed were the Beaux Arts Trio, the Guarneri Quartet, the Telluride Quartet and soloists such as Nicanor Zabaleta (harpist), Laszlo Varga (cellist), Jeffey Kahane (piano), and Richard Stolzman (clarinet). Vocalists also joined in this series such as Maureen Forrester (Canadian Contralto), Francesca Howe (Soprano) and Donna Peterson (Mezzo-soprano).

Although the desire to establish an orchestra remained, it lacked a dedicated conductor. In 1981, as if by fate, a young conductor named Michael Goodwin moved to Northern California from Germany and learned of this desire of a group of people to form an orchestra ‘from scratch’. He took on the task and established the orchestra’s concert schedule, and lent his skills to honing the talent of his musicians, often arranging Master Classes led by these famous guest performers. Within a few years, the Renaissance Orchestra (later changing its name to the Apollo Orchestra) was ready to perform Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with guest artist, Menahem Pressler, who was an early supporter of the orchestra’s formation.

Daniel Canosa first met Michael Goodwin through mutual friends while Michael was visiting Argentina in 1989 and an immediate friendship developed. Encouraged by Michael, Daniel moved to Northern California in 1990 and worked with the orchestra and chorus as regular guest conductor. He lent his expertise in Baroque music by founding the Apollo Baroque Orchestra, which performed a series of Bach cantatas and concerti using period instruments.

The 1990s was a very rich musical period for the Apollo Orchestra. Both Michael and Daniel collaborated on developing orchestra concerts with programs ranging from Baroque to Early 20th century. This included all of Beethoven’s Symphonies (except the 9th) and Mozart and Haydn’s late symphonies. Together they created the Summer Music Festival (1992-1998) with weekend performances that would open and close with orchestral works. Highlights included Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor with Alexander Romanul, violin, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor with guest pianist Menahem Pressler.

Daniel Canosa assumed the role of Music Director upon Michael Goodwin’s untimely death in February 2012. Today, the Apollo Symphony Orchestra is formed of professional musicians from the region, and its enthusiastic audience continues to grow in number.

[ed. - Whereas most websites affiliated with the Fellowship of Friends avoid mention of the organization, it's  commendable that the Apollo Arts page actually states the following. (Then again, it might be required under the law.)]

Apollo Arts is affiliated with the Fellowship of Friends | See our non-profit Guidestar listing

The Fellowship's "Living Presence Monthly" takes a break

[ed. - The on again, off again Fellowship of Friends monthly newsletter is going on hiatus, perhaps a casualty of the Fellowship's new "Online School."]

February 2015 español | português Announcement     Dear Friends, The publication of The fellowship of Friends, Living Presence Monthly will be discontinued until further notice. Thank you for your interest and support. We wish you luck on your journey to Presence. In Friendship, The Living presence newsletter team The true use of knowledge is to draw the soul towards being. Plato

Copyright © 2015 The Fellowship of Friends, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at https://livingpresence.com. Our mailing address is: The Fellowship of Friends Post Office Box 1000 Oregon House, CA 95962-1000 Add us to your address book This email was delivered to xxxx. Update address. Unsubscribe.