Diaspora has a soundtrack, and on this Mother's Day, it recalls ancient strains of the Middle East. The Rahim AlHaj Trio features two-time GRAMMY nominee, NEA National Heritage Fellow, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings artist, and Iraqi oud virtuoso and composer Rahim AlHaj. Joined by Iranian santour master Sourena Sefati, this duo performs AlHaj’s intricate compositions, which delicately combines Rahim's traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary styling and influence. His compositions evoke the experience of exile from his homeland and of new beginnings in his adopted country. His pieces establish new concepts without altering the foundation of the traditional “Iraqi School of Oud.” The Rahim AlHaj Duo create a deeply immersive sonic experience as these two world-renowned musicians weave transfixing textures and melodies that transport listeners to a world of tranquility, beauty, joy, and sorrow.

Beyond its music, the duo represents AlHaj’s artistic appeal to each of us to make a positive difference toward a better world, however we can. Sefati joins AlHaj in this spirit of friendship, tolerance and an acknowledgment that everyone must live in peace under the same sky. Their musical conversation is timely and poignant. 

Listen as you relax serenely in our oasis, dining al fresco from Zeidler's special brunch menu, designed by Skirball's peerless chef and music aficionado Sean Sheridan. Blue skies, sweet sounds, and infinite possibilities await.

Virtuoso oud player and composer Rahim AlHaj, born in Baghdad, Iraq, has found in his ancient instrument, whose written history spans some 5,000 years, a unique voice that speaks passionately to contemporary listeners of every musical background. Deftly combining traditional Iraqi maqamat with contemporary stylings and influences, AlHaj seeks to translate into music the suffering, joy, anxiety, and determination that he has experienced and witnessed in his lifelong struggle against injustice—as an Iraqi, a political refugee, and today as an American citizen. Communicating with a compelling immediacy that bypasses cultural obstacles, his music speaks irresistibly to the heart in a universal language of compassion. 

Born in 1977 in Ramsar, Iran, Sourena Sefati started playing santour at the age of eleven. He learned “Radif Mirza Abdollah” (Persian Classical Music Style) with Majid Kiani, a leading figure in the Iranian musical establishment, and the modern techniques of playing santour with master Kurdish musician Ardavan Kamkar. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Iranian Music from University of Tehran (2002) and his Master’s degree in Iranian Music Performance from Art University of Tehran (2008). He won the best composer award of Iranian music at Art University in 2006. He served as music instructor at Art University and Elmi-Karbordi University in Tehran from 2008 to 2014. Sourena has performed around the world and is a composer in his own right. Sourena is the author of the book Dorrab: 117 Etudes for Santour.