On February 22, 2002, the day after the world learned that kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl had been brutally murdered by his captors in Pakistan, conductor George Pehlivanian, Pearl’s neighbor and friend from Paris, was scheduled to lead the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest conductor. Deeply troubled by the news, he was initially reluctant to perform; however, he decided to go ahead with his concert (which he proudly dedicated to Pearl), rather than give in to the despair wrought by the evil inflicted on Pearl. After Pearl’s funeral in August 2002, in the spirit of his love for music, his family decided to inspire hope and unity by inviting people everywhere to dedicate a musical event on the day he would have turned 39 years old – October 10, 2002. Thus, the seeds were planted for Daniel Pearl World Music Days – now an entire month of worldwide “Harmony for Humanity” concerts – which reminds the world of the principles by which Pearl lived, the universal power of music and our shared humanity. Now in its eleventh year, World Music Days has inspired more than 8,900 concerts in 119 countries, including Pakistan where Pearl was killed. On October 21, a Daniel Pearl World Music Days concert will host Kelsey and Jeffrey Taylor along with other Santa Clarita teenagers at Valencia United Methodist Church. Kelsey Taylor first heard about the World Music Days three years ago when she was 13 years old and volunteering at a concert with the Music Student Service League. After hearing about the opportunity to inform her community, Kelsey sought mentorship in her piano teacher Mrs. Suzy Hana to guide her through the whole process of making this inspiring event happen. The concert is free to the public and will showcase some of the most talented young people in the Santa Clarita Valley. In addition to performances from E.S.C.A.P.E. Theatre, the Canyon High School Madrigals, and other local musicians, Kelsey Taylor is pleased to welcome nationally renowned young pianist Rio Mangini. Only 9 years old, Mangini has performed at Carnegie Hall twice and was named “Outstanding Instrumentalist” in the 2012 Young Artist Awards. The evening will also feature a guest appearance by Grammy Award-winning trumpet player and singer Phil Driscoll. He heard about the concert and wanted to support Pearl’s memory. Daniel Pearl World Music Days is an international network of concerts that use the power of music to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and humanity. Since 2002, Daniel Pearl World Music Days has grown to include the participation of more than 8,900 performances in 119 countries. World Music Days is an awareness-raising program, not a fundraiser. There is no financial obligation to participate and all musicians are welcome. The world was shocked by the senseless loss of Daniel Pearl, an ethical journalist and accomplished musician who dedicated his life to bringing joy and understanding to the world. The Daniel Pearl Foundation has been formed by Pearl’s family and friends to continue his mission and to address the root causes of this tragedy in the spirit, style and principles that shaped Pearl’s work and character. These principles include uncompromised objectivity and integrity; insightful and unconventional perspective; tolerance and respect for people of all cultures; unshaken belief in the effectiveness of education and communications; and the love of music, humor and friendship. For more information visit www.worldmusicdays.org.
SAVE THE DATE The event will host student musicians throughout the Santa Clarita Valley along with Grammy Award winning musician Phil Driscoll. |
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