Palo Alto World Music Day was started by an initiative of Palo Alto residents Claude Ezran & Olana Khan

Claude Ezran
Claude Ezran, a high-tech executive, has been a resident of Palo Alto for the past 19 years.  He has long been involved in the PTA and the community, and currently serves as a member of the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission.  Several years ago, while vacationing in France, Claude had the opportunity to witness World Music Day (known there as Fête de la Musique) in the country where it originated.  He enjoyed the musical diversity and the contagious enthusiasm of the crowds and musicians so much that he decided to bring this fantastic idea back to Palo Alto.  Claude’s musical preferences include: classical music, opera, tango music, and music from around the world.

Olana Hirsch Khan
Olana Hirsch Khan is a proud Palo Alto citizen and parent. She is currently serving an appointed position as a Human Relations Commissioner, and also participates in several citizen committees around Palo Alto. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York where every day is considered World Music Day on the street and in the subway. She loves the dancing to the Wiggles with her son and enjoys a personal range of music from the Symphony to Hip Hop and East Coast Rap.

Planning Committee

Chair                                                                 Claude Ezran

Musician Coordinators                            Dennis Starkovich and Paige Bishop Fulkerson

Volunteer Coordinator                           Amy Antonelli

Outreach/Publicity Coordinators     Anne Ercolani and Dave Goldman

Graphic Designer                                       Ann Eddington

City Liaison                                                   Amy Johnson