Rahim AlHaj

About this event

The Rahim AlHaj Trio features 2-time Grammy nominee, National Endowment for The Arts National Heritage Fellow, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings artist and Iraqi oud virtuoso and composer Rahim Alhaj joined by Iraqi santour maestro Ahmed Albandawi and world percussion master Nick Baker

The trio perform Alhaj’s intricate compositions. Rahim’s music delicately combines traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary styling and influence. His compositions evoke the experience of exile from his homeland and of new beginnings in his adopted country. His pieces establish new concepts without altering the foundation of the traditional “Iraqi School of Oud”. The Rahim AlHaj Trio’s debut CD, One Sky (Smithsonian Folkways) is a deeply immersive sonic experience as the three world-renowned musicians weave transfixing textures and melodies that transport listeners to a world of tranquility and beauty.

Beyond its music, the album represents AlHaj’s artistic appeal to each of us to make a positive difference toward a better world, however we can. Albandawi and Baker join AlHaj in this spirit of friendship, tolerance and an acknowledgement that everyone must live in peace under the same sky.