About
Rose to prominence during the beginning of the 20th century. He contributed much to the evolution of Arab music.
Before Fame
He designed shop signs on Mohammed Ali Street in Cairo. His travels throughout Syria, Baghdad, Istanbul, and Tunisia changed his life and his perspective on the musical arts.
Trivia
He was well known for recomposing a number of popular international musicals such as "Tayes" and "Carmen," most of which were performed by the Mounira El Mahdeya troupe.
Family Life
His father Mohammed Suleiman Alkhalai was also a musician who raised his son in a very musical environment. He began playing instruments before he was 10 years old.
Associated With
He became prominent about a half century after fellow composer Richard Wagner.
