FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orchestras Invited to Participate in Daniel Pearl Music Days in October 2005

Los Angeles, CA - August 1, 2005 - Inspired by the life of journalist Daniel Pearl, who played in a variety of youth and community orchestras, Music Days began in 2002 as a way to commemorate Pearl’s birthday and his belief that music knows no prejudice or boundaries. In 2004 over 400 concerts in 39 countries – spanning all musical genres – participated in this growing international phenomenon.

“Many people who read about Danny’s murder by terrorists do not know what a talented musician he was, and how he used his violin to make friends wherever he traveled”, said his father, Dr. Judea Pearl, President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. “The night after the murder in 2002, his friend George Pehlivanian led the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest conductor and defiantly dedicated the concert to Danny. Later he remarked: ‘as the orchestra played Tchaikovsky’s 5th, I finally understood the triumph of hope over despair.’ This comment planted the seed for Daniel Pearl Music Days.”

Orchestras are invited to dedicate a performance, single composition, or open rehearsal in celebration of tolerance, friendship and humanity either in their published program or via stage announcement and register their participation at the Music Days website. There is no fundraising or financial obligation to participate in Music Days.

“Many of the world’s most celebrated musicians have raised their instruments and voices in support of the Music Days theme Harmony for Humanity”, explained Jacqueline Gelfand, Executive Director of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. “We are honored that the Music Days Honorary Committee includes such world luminaries as Yefim Bronfman, Ida Haendel, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, George Pehlivanian, Itzhak Perlman and John Williams.”

For 2005, Daniel Pearl Music Days will expand its reach by introducing “Harmony for Humanity” e-Stage, a web-based collection of music inspired by the Music Days 2005 theme. A dedicated internet radio station will play original compositions, as well as other related music. The Daniel Pearl Foundation welcomes contributions of music, lyrics, poems and related articles for possible use on the “Harmony for Humanity” e-Stage.

To submit suggestions and pieces please visit www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/about_estage.php. To register a Music Days 2005 event, or to dedicate an already scheduled performance, please visit www.danielpearlmusicdays.org.

Daniel Pearl, was murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. The Daniel Pearl Foundation seeks to counter the hatred that took his life thorough international programs in journalism, music and innovative communications (www.danielpearl.org).

Contact:
Rochon Perry
Black Ink
415.336.1487/cell
415.346.7329/office
media@danielpearl.org

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