Rahim AlHaj: Celebrating 20 Years in Albuquerque

Iraqi oud master and composer, Rahim AlHaj, last heard at Outpost in spring of 2018, returns for a special concert celebrating his twenty years in Albuquerque as well as his first performance at Outpost that first year.  Performing music written over the years for the musicians joining him this evening, as well as new compositions, he is joined by a string quintet featuring David Felberg & Ruxandra Marquardt, violins; Kim Fredenburgh, viola; James Holland cello; and Jean-Luc Matton, double bass, plus Nick Baker, percussion. The Rahim AlHaj Trio with Sourena Sefati, santoor, and Nick Baker, percussion will also perform, as well as other special guests, including renowned guitarist Ottmar Liebert, with whom AlHaj recorded and performed, and Laural Wycoff, flute. There will also be a conversation with AlHaj and UNM Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Music, Steven Feld, who have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, including releases on Feld’s Vox Lox label. Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, AlHaj moved to the US in 2000 as a political refugee and became a US citizen in 2008, making Albuquerque his home. He performs worldwide and has won many accolades and awards, including two Grammy nominations. He was also named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 2015.