Town Hall Seattle and SAMA: Music + Art present
Global Rhythms: Rahim AlHaj
Axis of Evil
EVENT NOTES
Lobby doors for this event will open at 6:00 PM. The Great Hall will open for seating at 7:00 PM.
Free and reduced cost tickets made possible in part by
Born in Baghdad, Rahim AlHaj possesses a life story as powerful as his music. He learned to play the oud at age 9, and later graduated with honors and a degree in music composition from the Institute of Music in Baghdad. He also earned a degree in Arabic literature from Mustunsiriya University in Baghdad. Active in the underground revolutionary movement, AlHaj wrote protest songs opposing Saddam Hussein’s repressive regime. He was imprisoned twice, once for a year and a half, and was regularly beaten by his captors. In 1991, AlHaj was forced to leave Iraq because of his political activism, and ultimately found a home in New Mexico.
After 40 years since fleeing Iraq, he was still haunted by the carnage he had witnessed as a teenager, along with the emotions he felt when the U.S. and the U.K. aligned to combat the “axis of evil” (North Korea, Iran, and Iraq), and he set out to create an album that would be his personal statement of peace, friendship, and unity.
Rahim has performed around the globe and is considered one of the finest oud players in the world. He has won many accolades and awards, including two Grammy nominations. Through his music, Rahim AlHaj makes good on his commitment to create music that bridges cultural and sociopolitical divides. Filled with intoxicating waves of sound and brilliant melodies, AlHaj succeeds in spreading his message of global understanding and love.
Watch: Rahim AlHaj – “Lamma Bada Yatathanna”
Read More
Rahim AlHaj, who is widely considered one of the greatest living virtuosos of his ancient instrument, has garnered international renown since landing in the United States in 2000. A refugee of the Gulf War and an outspoken political activist, his music shares stories from his native Iraq, including his own, and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the unity of humanity in the face of opposition. An accomplished performer and composer of music for oud and mixed ensembles including string quartet, orchestra, and percussion, AlHaj has collaborated with such varied musicians as guitarist Bill Frisell, accordionist Guy Klucevsek, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, contemporary string ensemble Kronos Quartet, and indie-rock pioneers REM.
Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SAMA: Music + Art.
Events are offered for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Read Town Hall’s Program Content Policy.
Global Atmosphere
Pre-Show Food and Beverages starting at 6PM
Starting at 6:00PM, mingle in the Lobby and enjoy food for purchase from local vendors. Come early, get some dinner, and immerse yourself in the flavors of the culture before the show.
This is part of the Global Rhythms Series
In-Kind Media Support provided by KEXP.