This is a photo of our dog, Leo Brouwer and his girlfriend (the neighbor's dog), Sophie. Leo Brouwer is the one on the right. Yes, that's right, my dog is named Leo Brouwer. My wife and I had the opportunity to see Leo Brouwer (the composer, not the dog) conduct an orchestral performance at the 2000 Guitar Foundation of America Conference in San Antonio and we were able to meet him briefly after the performance. He was very gracious and took a moment to speak with us, even though I'm sure he was exhausted. About three years later, I brought this puppy home (half Blue Heeler and half Golden Retriever) and, after my wife got over the initial shock, she wanted to name him after Leo Brouwer.

To learn more about the real Leo Brouwer, who is one of the most important contemporary composers of guitar music, take a look at this great website:

http://www.musicweb.uk.net/brouwer/

I always wonder if the real Leo Brouwer would be flattered or offended.

Visit my website at http://www.michaelpatilla.com

Email me at guitar@colled.msstate.edu