Abdelrahman Elkhatib
DAGENS NYHETER. (family page) . 2013-07-04
Abdelrahman, or Abdo, was an accomplished musician, having played leading roles in major Egyptian films and composed the Saudi Arabian national anthem. Abdo received his musical training at the Cairo Conservatory, then at St Cecilia's Academy in Rome. There he met his love Laila, née Rytter, and moved with her to Sweden where he completed his music education at the music programme at Ingesund Folk High School. Abdo and Laila were a very hospitable couple who often welcomed friends into their home and there was much music and discussion. Abdo was also a dedicated bridge builder for peace in the world and constantly worked for cultural understanding across borders.
Abdo had a rare ability to share his singing and rhythm as an educator. Many children have experienced his lessons in the Södertälje Music and Culture School. We who have listened and taken part in his teaching know what unforgettable musical impressions he gave his students.
He used his beautiful voice and his fine-tuned lute playing in such a way that the children became calm, confident and inspired, which is a prerequisite for understanding both music and other subjects with an open mind! Many of his disciples went on to further education. Some became very famous musicians and teachers.
As a tradition bearer of classical Arabic music, Abdo has inspired and enriched us with his arrangements and compositions. For Södertälje Kammarkör he created unique works that resulted in a number of acclaimed concerts. The collaboration with Swedish music makers such as Björn J:son Lindh, Janne Schaffer and the music group Solar Plexus has made us aware of these wonderful traditions from which Western art music partly emerged.
Abdo, such a friend, inspirer, music maker, artist! Who had within him a sunny smile, a sense of planet, of brotherhood between East and West. Now he rests with his Laila in the soil of Egypt, while they will always be here with us.
- Monica and Carl-Axel Dominique, Torhild Winnberg and Ralf Sandberg, Björn J:son Lindh, Janne Schaffer, Rosita Auer, Nassim AlFakir.
