Ali Osman Alhaj

Sudanese composer Ali Osman Alhaj has been a resident of Egypt since 1978. He started his musical education at the Cairo Conservatoire secondary school. Graduating with distinction in 1986, he studied composition with professor Gamal Abdel-Rahim and considered himself one of his disciples. He continued his post-graduate studies with professor Awatif Abdel-Karim, who was also his supervisor for his research titled “Rhythmic Patterns in East and West Sudan and Their Role in Distinguishing the Music of These Regions.” He was granted his M.A. in 1990. Some of his works were performed in Cairo at the Opera House, American University, and the cultural centers, and abroad in Germany, Austria, and England. In July 2000, he was granted a four month scholarship as composer in residence by Prohelvetia in Switzerland.