July 15, 2004
Third Annual Daniel Pearl Music Day to Feature Worldwide Concerts
Promoting Harmony for Humanity from October 8-17, 2004

Los Angeles, July 15, 2004 – The Daniel Pearl Foundation (www.danielpearl.org) proudly announces the honorary committee and official opening of registration for the third annual Daniel Pearl Music Day – an international network of concerts October 8-17, 2004 dedicated to “Harmony for Humanity.” Centered around the October 10 th birthday of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002, Daniel Pearl Music Day continues his mission by connecting thousands around the world through words and music.

“Daniel Pearl was exceedingly brave, was one of these journalists from the media that put their life on the line to bring you the truth,” said Honorary Committee member Sir Elton John in a Music Day performance in which he dedicated his song “ Daniel .” 

Daniel Pearl was a classically trained violinist as well as a fiddler and a mandolin player. His passion for music helped him form friendships across cultural and ideological divides. As his life knew no geographical boundaries, his spirit knew no prejudice.

“It was his belief in music as a universal language that inspired us to commemorate his legacy in this way,” says Judea Pearl, Daniel's father and President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. “Of all the bridge-building programs the Foundation is involved in, I believe Music Day is the one Danny would most enjoy.”

In last year's Music Day, 230 concerts in 29 countries were dedicated to the ideals for which Daniel stood.  This year, the Foundation is focusing on increasing youth participation and expects an even greater outpouring of support and voices united for tolerance and humanity.

2004 Music Day Honorary Committee
The Daniel Pearl Foundation is honored to announce the Honorary Committee for this year's event, a diverse group of renowned musicians: Salman Ahmad, Theodore Bikel, Yefim Bronfman, Hamza el Din, Ida Haendel, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Tania Libertad, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Mark O'Connor, George Pehlivanian, Itzhak Perlman, A.J. Racy, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ravi Shankar, Barbra Streisand and John Williams.

Sir Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Ida Haendel and Hamza el Din are featured in the Music Day 2004 public service announcement encouraging participation by people everywhere in Music Day. Video and audio versions are available for broadcast by radio and television stations around the globe.

How to Participate
Registration is available on-line at www.danielpearl.org/musicday04 and open to anyone who wishes to dedicate music to the ideals of tolerance and humanity. Scheduled performances of all levels and sizes, from professionals to amateurs, representing all musical genres are encouraged to join Daniel Pearl Music Day by including a “Harmony for Humanity” dedication from the stage and/or written in the concert program of musical events between October 8-17, 2004. There are no financial obligations for participation in Music Day. Daniel Pearl Music Day coordinators can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 1-877-9-MUSIC-9 or 1-707-861-6010.

About the Daniel Pearl Foundation
The Daniel Pearl Foundation was formed in 2002 in memory of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl to promote the ideals that inspired his life and work. The Foundation works domestically and internationally to promote cross-cultural understanding, to combat cultural and religious hatred, to encourage responsible and creative journalism, and to enrich people's lives through music. For more information please visit www.danielpearl.org .

Daniel Pearl Foundation
16161 Ventura Boulevard, #671
Encino, CA 91436
Washington D.C. office: 202-722-1239  

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