Rahim Al-Haj and Derek Gripper

New York Guitar Festival: Rahim AlHaj & Derek Gripper at Kaufman Music Center Merkin Hall

Gig Alerts | Jun 19, 2025

Rahim AlHaj & Derek Gripper at Kaufman Music Center Merkin HallNew York Guitar Festival co-presented with World Music Institute
June 26. 8PM. $39+up

Rahim AlHaj is an Iraqi-born, American-based composer and NEA Heritage Fellow who plays the oud, the Arab lute. Derek Gripper is a classical guitarist from South Africa who has somehow found a way to play West African music for the 21-string harp, or kora, on the six strings of his instrument. Both musicians have played in a wide variety of styles, and recently, they began playing together as a duo. Rahim AlHaj and Derek Gripper, play the oud and guitar, respectively at the next New York Guitar Festival concert at the Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall on June 26.

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