Gamal Abdel-Rahim

Full biography Gamal Abdel-Rahim

Gamal Abdel-Rahim was an Egyptian composer, born in Cairo in 1924. He is considered to be one of the most important Egyptian composers of the 20th century, and was a pioneer in the development of contemporary classical music in Egypt.

Abdel-Rahim studied music at the Cairo Conservatory, where he later became a professor of composition. He was also a visiting professor of composition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the 1960s.

His works were strongly influenced by Egyptian folklore and traditional music, and also incorporated elements of Western classical music. He contributed significantly to the development of a distinct Egyptian musical identity, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Cairo Contemporary Music Group, which promoted new music by Egyptian composers.

Some of Abdel-Rahim's most notable works include his three symphonies, as well as numerous solo and chamber music pieces. He was also recognized for his contributions to music education, serving as the chairman of the composition and conducting department at the Cairo Conservatory and mentoring several generations of Egyptian composers.

Abdel-Rahim passed away in 1988, but his legacy lives on today through his music and the continued influence he has had on Egyptian and Middle Eastern classical music. Several of his works have been recorded and continue to be performed by musicians and orchestras around the world.