One of three brothers whose tunes have been recorded by Lebanese vocalist Fairuz, Elias Rahbani composed ballet music, classical pieces for piano, and the soundtracks of 25 films. The musical adviser and chief of occidental music for Radio Lebanon, from 1962 until 1970, Rahbani produced numerous recordings for the Philips, Parlophone, Polydor, Decca, Capitol, and S.L.D. labels. Rahbani studied composing, arranging, and piano at the Lebanese Academy, from 1954 to 1955, and the National Conservatory, from 1955 to 1956. He subsequently embarked on a decade-long private study with French instructors Michel Bourgeot, who taught piano, and Bertrand Robillard, who taught harmony and composition. From 1961 to 1970, Rahbani and his brothers toured with the Rahbani Lebanese Popular Troupe. ~ Craig Harris