Beihdja Rahal was born in Algeria and grew up in a family that regularly performed the classical Al-Andalus music of Moorish Spain. Having been introduced to the mysteries of the art at a very young age, she went on to study with the great masters of Arabic classical music, including Abderrezak Fakharji, Mohamed Khaznaji and Zubir Karkachi.
In 1982 she joined the Fakharjia Association and became one of its principal soloists. In 1986 she was one of the foundeing members of Essundussia Music Association, where she taught music until 1992. In September of that year, Rahal moved to France, where she decided to devote herself entirely to her artistic career. Two years later she formed her ensemble, preferring a chamber group, which is more suitable for improvisation. —Courtesy Calabash Music
