My student, Tanny Labshere and I performed on Saturday, October 3rd as part of the 2009 FODfest--Friends of Daniel Pearl Memorial Concert--at the historic Mahaiwe Theater, Great Barrington, MA. I played one piano solo - "Amazing Grace"--and two duets with Tanny--"Tanny's Theme" (which she composed) and "We Shall Overcome."
Tanny lives at Riverbrook Residence in Stockbridge, MA, where I teach music to women with developmental disabilities. She is blind and began to play the piano at age 11. Tanny and her music are flourishing in our duets together. This performance took place for nearly 700 people. Prior to walking on stage, I said to Tanny: "if you play beautifully, you will give people the greatest gift: hope in life." Thanks to everyone who made this event happen, the FODfest concert gave Tanny the opportunity to do just that.
The FODfest Concert series is a highlight of Daniel Pearl World Music Days , which takes place during the month of October and features many local musicians. Daniel Pearl was a musician as well as a journalist. He gave his life in the pursuit of freedom and truth. World Music Days was established by his parents, Ruth and Judea Pearl, in his memory. Through music they seek to foster global interconnectedness and community. The FODfest series will be staged throughout the United States and Taiwan and is made possible through the tireless efforts of Todd Mack, Lynnette Najimy, Paul Karlsen, and many others.
With warm thanks to Todd and everyone who made this event happen, and to Judea and Ruth Pearl, who created Daniel Pearl World Music Days to honor their son's spirit and forge a brighter future.
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