50th Anniversary Surprise Celebration
Sarasota, Florida - September 28, 2003

For about a year Lieve has been organizing, all unknown to Hector, a grand surprise celebration event to honor his 50 years as a performing artist, and of his 50 years of Dedication To Music. Hector wrote his first composition at age 6...and 50 years later he is still composing, writing, performing, and playing concerts throughout the world.

It all came together in grand style at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Sarasota, Florida on Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2003. A fair amount of subterfuge was involved, with all guests/participants sworn to secrecy.

Invited were friends from the past, and present, who have had a "significant influence" on Hector's life. They came from United Kingdom, from Argentina, they came from Japan - and of course from the US.

Amongst the dignitaries, present for the celebration; Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder and chairman of the Roland corporation, and his wife Mrs. Masako Kakehashi; Mr. Dennis Houlihan, President of Roland Corporation US ; Mr. Lloyd Robbins, Vice Executive President Rodgers Instruments US.

Guests from throughout the world flew in for this milestone event, and recognition for 50 years of professional musicianship was awarded by the Roland Corporation, Rodgers Instruments, the NAMM Board of Directors, and many personal friends who have stood by Hector for...half a century.

Hector was bowled over, a definite surprise. We saw his life unfold on the screen from his early Argentina days, to his early life in New York City; and his career was presented on slides, on video and on CD & DVD. We even had Ludwig Von Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach show up, and watched as they discussed some of the little known, (and embarrassing) events of  his past. (Hector would just as soon forget about some of these episodes in his life.)

Presented below are some of the images of that memorable afternoon.

Hector walked into a room filled with his friends, and his mouth dropped. A "ruse" was cooked up so that Hector thought he was going to evaluate a piano for Dennis Houlihan at the Ritz-Carlton. Instead he walked into the surprise celebration.

.. and a surprise it was..

He all of a sudden recognized friends he has not seen for years..

Hector welcomes Mrs. Houlihan, Dennis Houlihan's mother, Audrey

Hector greets George Baldwin, longtime friend and mentor, to the right is Aracely Hexter, wife of long time friend Paul.

While hugging Paul Hexter, looking on is Jean Van de Water, wife of Hector's web master Dave Van de Water, with Roy Fraser from the UK (standing) is enjoying the moment.

Taking the microphone from her husband, Mrs. Masako Kakehashi, wife of Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder and chairman of Roland Corporation. Alberto Kniepkamp, Sharon Newby and Lee Anderson join in the celebration.

Hector's daughter, Nicole, is being asked to speak by Hector's friend, Craig Knudsen, who very ably acted as the MC for the event.

Hector's daughter Nicole was able to surprise her father as well.

Above & below: Some of Hector's early keyboard creations - a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, and his technological agile mind (Sorry about the fuzzy images. Hector's not fuzzy - just the images.)

Hector was presented with a framed copy of his first composition (completed when he was age 6 in August of 1952) Here is Hector with his mother, Rosa.

Above & below: In 1972 Mr. Rogers presented Hector on his show, and our long haired Hector played some music for the host. (Sorry about the image quality)

A special award from the NAMM Board of Directors (International Music Products Association - National Association of Music Merchants)

Hector and Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder of the Roland Corporation

Ludwig Von Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach discuss some of Hector's early exploits (and tribulations.)

A presentation by the Roland® Corporation to Hector, a uniquely designed Steuben® Glass masterpiece