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Second annual Daniel Pearl Music Day to be held in October
Thursday August 21, 2003LOS ANGELES (AP) The second annual Daniel Pearl Music Day will be held in October to encourage worldwide harmony in memory of the slain Wall Street Journal reporter.
The international series of concerts will be organized around what would have been Pearl's 40th birthday Oct. 10, according to a statement from the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
The inaugural music day last year included more than 100 concerts in 18 different countries.
``We have a unique opportunity to promote a message of tolerance and the spirit of peace on Daniel Pearl Music Day,'' said jazz musician and composer Herbie Hancock. ``I encourage other musicians around the world to join me in this message of harmony and understanding through music.''
Pearl, who was raised in suburban Encino, was a violinist, fiddler and mandolin player.
An honorary committee formed on behalf of the event includes: Hancock, Sir Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman, Ravi Shankar, Barbra Streisand, John Williams and other well-known artists.
``We are thrilled that this year leading artists from many musical styles and traditions are joining with us in a clarion call for asserting the oneness of humanity,'' said Pearl's father, Judea Pearl. ``This year, in particular, music can help us bridge divisions between cultures. We would like to issue a special invitation to the Arab and Muslim world to join us in harmony for humanity.''
Pearl, 38, was chief of the Journal's South Asia bureau when he was kidnapped Jan. 23, 2002, while researching a story on Islamic extremists. A videotape of his murder was later delivered to U.S. officials. Four Islamic militants were convicted last year for their involvement in his kidnapping and slaying.
Musicians, performers, DJs and others who want to dedicate a performance with a message of tolerance and global harmony are encouraged to join the event by registering at the foundation's Web site.
Concerts scheduled from Oct. 7 through Oct. 19 can be included in the event.
On the Web: http://www.danielpearl.org
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