2009 – Rahim AlHaj, World Renowned Oud Musician

Media: The Toledo Blade

Rahim Alhaj, virtuoso oud player and renowned composer, gave a solo performance for the Ninth Annual Maryse and Ramzy Mikhail Memorial Lecture Sunday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. at the UT Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall on Main Campus.

Rahim AlHaj was born in Baghdad, Iraq where he began playing the oud at age nine.  He studied at the Institute of Music in Baghdad where he won various awards and graduated with a diploma in composition.  He also holds a degree in Arabic Literature from the Mustunsariya University in Baghdad.  Having come to the USA as a political refugee, Mr. AlHaj has made Albequerque, NM his permanent residence.  He has performed hundreds of concerts around the world as a soloist as well as with his string quartet.  His CD releases have received critical acclaim and extensive coverage in the electronic and print media.  It has been said that his compositions establish new concepts without altering the foundations of traditional Iraqi music and evoke the experience of exile from his homeland and of new beginnings in his adopted country.

You can learn more about Mr. AlHaj and preview his music at his website.