New Artist in Residence: Rabih Lahoud

We are delighted to announce that Rabih Lahoud is the new Artist-in-Residence at the Monheim Triennale. Effective October 1, he took over this position from Achim Tang, who has fulfilled this role to our great satisfaction over the past six years.

Rabih Lahoud, who has won numerous awards (including the German Jazz Prize and the WDR Jazz Prize), is the ideal representative of the Monheim Triennale’s program. Born in Beirut and now living in Monheim, the musician and educator is the best possible bridge builder between the local and international music scenes. He became known as the singer of the international groups “Masaa” and “Eternal Voyage” and as the choir director of the vocal ensemble M.A.M.M.

Lahoud has been closely associated with the Triennale since its inception. His contribution this year, “Colors of Unison,” which closed The Festival in the Old Town Church, is particularly memorable.

When asked what connects him to the Triennale, he replied: “The togetherness, the opening up of music to the people here in the city. (…) There are so many projects linked to the Triennale in which choirs, school classes, and amateur musicians participate, always on an equal footing with the international musicians. That’s something very special.”

Festival director Reiner Michalke is convinced that Lahoud will continue the great work started by Achim Tang. In this context, he thanks Achim Tang, who, with his enthusiasm and versatility, has inspired young and adult amateurs for the festival and improvised music since 2019: “Achim Tang has succeeded in bringing music that is not always easy to understand closer to large sections of the urban community in a sympathetic and playful way, breaking down prejudices. In doing so, he has established a strong connection to the content of the Triennale. We are all very grateful to him for this.”