Rahim AlHaj

Rahim AlHaj is an Iraqi American oud virtuoso and composer, renowned for his evocative and powerful storytelling through music. Born in Baghdad, AlHaj began playing the oud, an ancient stringed instrument, at the tender age of nine. His music, deeply rooted in Iraqi traditions, resonates with themes of joy, pain, and the fragility of life. An NEA National Heritage Fellow and two-time Grammy nominee, AlHaj's international acclaim is a testament to his mastery of the oud. His discography, including albums like "When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq" and "Letters from Iraq: Oud and String Quintet," offers a profound journey into the heart of Iraqi music, making him a captivating artist to explore.