The Contemporary Music Centre regrets the passing of Iraqi-born composer Farid Allawerdi, who died unexpectedly in Dublin on 1 February 2007.

Farid Allawerdi studied in Baghdad, Paris and Moscow. His works have been performed around the world by many notable performers, and he has been represented at the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers. He received many prizes including the Prix D'Honneur de L'Ecole Nationale de Musique de Saint-Brieuc in 1952, and a certificate from the Academy of Arab Music and The Arab League in appreciation of his leading role in furthering Arab Music.

Farid Allawerdi moved to Dublin from Jordan in 2002. He was a member of the Association of Irish Composers as well as a registered composer at the Contemporary Music Centre. He is survived by wife Mila, son Laith, and daughter Mariam.

Posted: 3 February 2007