Daniel Pearl's Father Talks About Tuesday's Tribute to His Son at VBS

Valley Beth Shalom is hosting a musical tribute to murdered journalist Daniel Pearl Tuesday evening. "Concert for World Peace—A Tribute to Journalist Daniel Pearl" is a collaboration between VBS, the Daniel Pearl Foundation and the Jewish Music Commission of Los Angeles and is part of the annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days program.

Pearl, who grew up in Encino, was working for the Wall Street Journal in 2002 when he was abducted and beheaded by al-Qaida terrorists in Pakistan. His parents, Judea and Ruth Pearl, established the Daniel Pearl Foundation and Daniel Pearl World Music Days to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism and music.

Judea Pearl, a longtime Encino resident, told Patch that the musical program at VBS Tuesday is set to include one of his son's favorite pieces of music, a piece by jazz violinist Stuff Smith (Daniel Pearl was a keen violinist).

"I talked with the conductor," said Judea Pearl, "and she asked me what music Danny liked, and I told her that one piece of music that he came to associate with himself was 'Angel Gabriel Likes My Music' by Stuff Smith. It's a piece for jazz violin. The story goes that Smith was asked whether he believed in life after death. He said 'I'm not too sure but I hope that Angel Gabriel likes my music.'"

The program will also feature Aminadav Aloni's Koheleth, for mezzo-soprano, tenor, choir, orchestra and jazz ensemble.

The Daniel Pearl World Music Days have taken place every year since 2002, and Valley Beth Shalom is playing host to its third consecutive tribute to Pearl.

Judea Pearl said that every year, interest in the project grows.

"We've had a tremendous response for over ten years. This year we have 1,887 events in 74 countries, including 14 in Afghanistan and three in Pakistan and one in Saudi Arabia and many in Australia ... October is a month of music."

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"Concert for World Peace—A Tribute to Journalist Daniel Pearl," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday October 30, 2012, Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino. For more information, click here.