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, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and 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. |