Music Commemorates Journalism

In the wake of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, one of Russia's controversial reporters, Arvo Pärt has committed future performances of his music to her memory.

To honor Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, shot to death a few weeks ago on October 7, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt has dedicated the 2006-2007 performance season to her memory. Orchestras and other musicians performing his works during that time period are to alert audiences of his wishes.

Pärt voiced his esteem and regard for Politkovskaya and her life's work investigating and criticizing political policies under the Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Pärt is not the only contemporary composer to commemorate a journalist. American composer Steve Reich composed a set of variations dedicated to Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who died on assignment in Pakistan in 2002. The U.S. premiere of Daniel Variations occurred at Carnegie Hall, New York on October 22.