| Young Canadian Fiddler Awarded 2005 Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin New Brunswick Native To Memorialize Journalist In Music
Los Angeles - August 20, 2005 — The Daniel Pearl Foundation announced today that 18 year old Samantha Robichaud, a native of New Brunswick and one of Canada's most accomplished young musicians (www.samantharobichaud.ca), has been awarded a Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin for 2005. The specially crafted instrument, awarded annually by a committee headed by composer/violinist Mark O'Connor, honors Robichaud's exceptional musicianship.
The Daniel Pearl Memorial violins are crafted by Jonathan Cooper of Maine in honor of the international journalist and talented musician who joined classical, folk, bluegrass and jazz groups throughout his journeys, bridging cultural differences through music. Robichaud will have the instrument for one year and plans to use it for all of her musical endeavors wherever she travels.
"I have played on many stages across Canada and the USA, including Carnegie Hall and have performed for the Queen of England, but to have Mark O'Connor award me this beautiful violin for a year to play in Daniel's memory is something that will be so special to me for the rest of my life." said an emotional Robichaud. "I will play this violin at all my performances in the next year, and speak of Daniel, how he loved his music, life, and was so opened minded to other cultures and backgrounds."
Rochibaud's vivacious personality, combined with a track record of over 200 awards for a variety of fiddle specialties, make her an up and coming force to be reckoned with. Her fourth recording, "Vivacious", received two East Coast Music Awards nominations in the Instrumental Artist & Roots/Traditional Categories, displaying the influences of her Arcadian heritage. Like Daniel Pearl, Robichaud has demonstrated a strong love for all genres of fiddle playing and music, with a drive to perfect her own unique style influenced by classical training.
She has been showcased at the International Folk Alliance Conference in San Diego, in New York at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters and in Montreal at the the Folk Alliance/Strickly Mundial. A Principal Violin with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Robichaud played with the Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 2003. She has also played at such notable venues as the Bluebird Café in Nashville, the Knitting Factory in New York City and at country music's landmark institution, the Grand Ole Opry.
Displaying a special affinity for the ideals that Pearl displayed throughout his work makes Robichaud a natural spokesperson for preserving Pearl's legacy through her music. "On my last CD I wrote a song called 'Why does it matter?' I wrote it from my heart, why does it matter our color, our citizenship, religions? We are all part of this world, we should live life to the fullest and enjoy each other. Since I did not have the opportunity to meet this wonderful man, I am so honored to be chosen to be part of keeping his memory alive."
Daniel Pearl's murder by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002 touched millions who never knew him. By developing innovative international programs focused on journalism, music and respectful dialogue, the Daniel Pearl Foundation seeks to counter the hatred and intolerance that took his life. www.danielpearl.org.
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