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Valley’s music department presented its annual “Daniel Pearl World Music Day” concert on Wednesday in the Music Recital Hall from 1-2 p.m. The goal of the concert, featuring the Kadima String Quartet, was to promote cross-cultural understanding through music.
“Judea Pearl, Daniel Pearl’s father, sent a message to the Kadima Quartet,” said Christian Nova, assistant professor of music. “This year there are 1,582 concert events in the 73 countries participating in this year’s World Music Month.”
Daniel Pearl was the Wall Street Journal’s South Asia Bureau Chief. He was murdered in Karachi, Pakistan in 2002 while working on a story for the Journal. He was also a San Fernando Valley resident.
“I send my warmest greetings to all who are gathered for ‘Daniel Pearl World Music Day,’” said Nova, reading a forwarded message from President Obama. “On this occasion, we recommit ourselves to tolerance, compassion, and harmony for humanity.”
The Quartet performed music from Bartok, Smetana, and a Jewish folksong suite. Performers include Lynn Angebranndt, cello; Eric Clark, violin; Beth Elliott, viola; and Yi-Huan Zhao, violin.
“This is a very, very special concert for us each year,” said Beth Elliott. “It’s important for people to get together to do the right thing, and prevent murders and horrible atrocities. We’re getting together to make harmony for humanity, instead of doing things that make us not harmonious. One of the most important things about being in a string quartet is that we’re together.”
Daniel Pearl earned professional acclaim as a journalist, but he was also a classically trained violinist.
“Danny lived a life that knew no geographical boundaries with a spirit that knew no prejudice,” reads the Daniel Pearl World Music Days web site. “He joined musical groups in every community in which he lived, leaving behind a trail of musician friends around the globe.”
The Kadima String Quartet ended the concert with “Jerusalem of Gold,” a song that Elliott said was special to her, because it was her father’s favorite.
“The music helps bring people together,” said concertgoer, Angela Phillips. “I know his (Pearl’s) family has dedicated this day to that.”
The Kadima String Quartet will perform at Valley once again on Nov. 22 in the Music Recital Hall.
For more information and reservations call 818-780-9596 or visit www.kadimaconservatory.com
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