Rabih Abou-Khalil

Lebanese Oud Master and Jazz Fusion Composer

Rabih Abou-Khalil is a Lebanese oud player, composer, and bandleader known for his fusion of traditional Arabic music with jazz, classical, and other world music styles. Born in Beirut in 1957, he was forced to leave Lebanon due to the civil war and moved to Germany where he pursued his musical career. Abou-Khalil has been recognized for his innovative approach to playing the oud, an instrument traditionally used in Middle Eastern music. Throughout his career, he has released numerous albums that showcase his unique blend of genres and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians from different cultural backgrounds. His work is often characterized by complex compositions and virtuosic performances. Abou-Khalil's contributions to world music have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following around the globe.