World-renowned Iraqi oud player Rahim AlHaj will showcase his traditional, innovative style, accompanied by master percussionist Souhail Kaspar, at Rackham Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m.

AlHaj began playing the stringed instrument at nine and went on to receive training from the renowned Munir Bashirat at the Institute of Music in Baghdad. He graduated with a degree in composition with numerous awards for his musical talent.

Politically active and vocal, AlHad spoke out against the Saddam Hussein regime in 1991 after the first Gulf War and was exiled from the country. He moved first to Jordan and Syria and then to the U.S. in 2000 where he now lives - in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His experiences as a political exile as well as his transition America life deeply influenced him and in turn his intricately emotional and complex compositions.

In modernizing the ancient string instrument primarily used in traditional Middle Eastern and East African music, AlHaj has brought a new sound as well as a new audience to the genre as he tours and records. Considered by many to be the best living oud player, AlHaj is widely respected in the music circle, having collaborated with Sting and the Grammy award-winning Kronos Quartet along with as various famed Arabic performers.

Fans of international music, instrument enthusiasts or those simply looking for a unique musical experience may take pleasure in this performance.

Rahim AlHaj
Tonight, 8 p. m.
Rackham Auditorium
$16 - $32