Born: 1945 - Mehaytzeh, Lebanon
Died: September 27, 1997 - Paris, France

The Lebanese pianist, Walid Akl, studied music in Paris from 1963, at the Margueritte Long Academy, at the Superior National Conservatory, then at the École Nationale Supérieure. Among his teachers were professors Germaine Mounier, Yvonne Lefébure and Jacques Février. The professional education added to his exquisite talent a touch of excellency.

After finishing his studies in 1969, Walid Akl traveled extensively, dazzling audiences in European cities such as Paris, London, Brussels, Manheim, Weisbaden, Fribourg, Lausanne, Geneva and Madrid. He also toured the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. He played with orchestras as the Münchner Philharmoniker, the Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Symphony Orchestra of Mexico City. He played the music of various composers such as L.v. Beethoven, Franz Liszt and Borodin, but his favorite was Joseph Hayden. Akl didn't just play melodies. He added zest, life and character to each composition he performed. He died in Paris following heart surgery, only 52 years old.

Walid Ghulmiah, president of the National Conservatory, said: "His loss is a great loss to Lebanon and the piano."
Composer Elias Rahbany said that Akl "played in a dramatic, rather than romantic style, and always with great character."

Source: Cartage Website; Today's Outlook Magazine Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (April 2007)

Walid Akl: Short Biography | Recordings of Instrumental Works

Links to other Sites

Akl, Walid (Cartage)
Farewells to pianist Walid Akl (Arabic News)

Today's Outlook Magazine: Lebanese Abroad