Dear friends, a few days ago we heard of the passing of a beautiful soul. We didn’t know Shai Maivar so well – we’d only met him twice.

First time was at the Omega Ecstatic Chant weekend last September. He was playing cello for Carioca. Still, as with all musicians, a kindred spirit arises, and when Shai showed up at our NYC concert later that month, I was struck by how beautifully joyous and playful he was.

I told him never to come to our concerts without his cello, and that he’d always be welcome to sit in with us. He laughed at this, and promised “Next time!”.
He was an amazing cellist – you have to be to follow Carioca! - and the music they made together, along with Amit, the silver flautist, was one of the highlights of the festival.

And now he’s gone.

A freak accident – he was laying in a hammock and the pole holding it gave way and fell on his head, killing him immediately – and that was it, a bright flame extinguished.
But his light lives on though, through those of us who knew him, and who count ourselves honoured to have hung out with him, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.
Please sing a mantra for him to help him through the Bardo.







go with god, shai.