4-8-2021,,,MESTO had created Hall of Fame list of our beloved patrons who supported the orchestra in many ways throughout its establishment. Please click on the "Patronage" buton on the menu on the right of homepage.

Feb-2021...MESTO orchestra is preparing for the post COVID phase...Music Music and more Music

CORONA PANDEMIC has hit the music industry very hard.

Oct. 2014--The orchestra members are excited about premiering the new composition Mariam composed by their conductor maestro Nabil Azzam. This composition is for violin and orchestra. It will be premiered at the October 18 concert in Downey, CA.

June 2012--Congratulations to our 1st violinist Dr. Dimitri Olyvski for earning his Ph. D. in violin performance from UCSB.

May-June 2009--As mentioned on homepage, Maestro Nabil Azzam visited number of countires in May-June 2009...Here is some authentice shots

This unique group of friends gather on Sunday morning in Reineh near Nazareth to have coffee and mana'iesh (...Arabic pizza) at the house of Abu Qassim. Just come and relax

Star singer Sabah "Sabbuha" between two talkative friends...Zoghaib and Azzam

Lebanese singer Ghassan Saliba and singer Joseph Azar with Nabil Azzam

With violinist George, son of legendary Wdie al-Safi exchanging memories...

This is the first WOW at Dubai airport...unbelievable


Hotels are loaded with original art..here is a special crystal eagle

Traditional tent at Abu Dhabi ministry of arts and cultures

Well, Salim Azzam finally got his present...his oud

The very first customer at the opening night of Crystal Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Welcome to the 44th floor of the holel...

Nabil doesn't miss malls in LA but in Dubai it's a different experience!

Lovely, clean, diverse, safe and hospitable hotels at the UAE
Will complete the cycle with the music of MESTO...

Congratulations
Happy 46th Wedding Anniversary to our great musician and friend
The famous bassoonist (and pianist) Mr. Charlie Gould and his talented wife pianist Erika Zador...Congratulations from the MESTO Family. What an amaizing couple!

Here are some photos of star-singer Karima of Morocco. She visited Los Angeles for rehearsals with MESTO.

Karima was showered with calls from fans

Around the table...Mr. Muhammad Rkha, Karima, Dr. Naji Jurdi, Nabil Azzam and Fahd Shaaban

Nabil Azzam and Karima

Singing with the orchestra under Azzam...total dedication

MESTO musicians loved working with talented Karima

A very special moments...enjoying singing with Dr. Jurdi at the break

Greeted by Dr. Raymond Jallow, Chair, Friends of MESTO

Mrs. Chisako Kanimaro admires Karima and her style of singing.

Nabil Azzam in the Middle East July-August 2008

With Prof. Ratiba El-Hefny, Cairo Opear House

Ambassador of Palestine to Egypt, the Honorable Nabil Amr

Two small ouds (Zain size) are being delivered to Azzam in Cairo. Oud maker Issam al-Waziri and son Islam string the at the Umm Kulthum Hotel

One Zain-size oud is presented to the 11-month old Razi Libbis in Nazareth

Azzam with Palestinian Minister Nabil Shaath

Dr. As'ad Abd al-Rahman (second from left) invited special frinds over dinner to meet Nabil Azzam in Amman, Jordan

With musician Dr. Kifah Fakhouri head of the Conservatory of Music-Amman

There are no words to describe the beauty of the nature of Lebanon

With star singer Tony Hanna (second from left) and friends near Beirut

Nabil Azzam and star singer Tony Hanna...an unusual cup of coffee at his home in the quiet Lebanese village M'aad far from any sound polution! Birds and the music of the morning wind. The only place Tony Hanna calls it home

April 1st (AKA April Fool's Day) is a special day for MESTO: Our concertmistress Leola Wagner's birthday. Orchestra members celebrated this occasion with her favorate chocolate cake. After the intermission the orchestra proceeded with the rehearsal on "Baalbek in Hollywood" of April 20, 2008 at Zipper Concert Hall at the Colburn School of Music, Los Angeles.

Happy 7th Anniversary MESTO September 19th. hosted by Friends of MESTO

MESTO Congratulates

Iva Katalieva and Claire Bergen

Iva Katalieva graduated from USC with master's degree in violin performance. She studied under professors Margaret Batjer and Endre Granat. Her recital will take place in the fall, 2007. In addition, Iva has already recorded her first CD that includes selective works for violin.
Last summer, Ms. Iva Katalieva was chosen as concertmistress of Aegean Symphony in Greece under the baton of Maestro George Skipworth. The orchestra played Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov and Iva also performed the violin concerto by Tchaikovsky. The orchestra performed in Athens and island of Lesvos.

Palestinian star singer Dalal in her rehearsal on the newly composed song "Amman" composed by Nabil Azzam after a poem by famous Lebanese poet Henri Zoghaib. The performance during the Jerash Festival on July 29 will also include a song of Wardah by Muhammad 'Abd al-Wahhab.

And who can ignore Hollywood? Dalal couldn't

...and more rehearsals on the new program of Jerash Festival

Dignitaries from the Asian commumity attended MESTO rehearsal. Mrs. Chisako Kanimaru (top photo, second from right) is a true supporter of the orchestra invited key figures who will put together a concert featuring MESTO.

Professor Issam El-Mallah (Egypt-Germany) greets his friend Azzam at the hotel. He left to Germany the following day! His professional contacts were very instrumental

Maestro Azzam presents the MESTO Recognition Award to Professor Ratiba El-Hifney for her scholarly dedication and professional support of traditional Arabic Music.

Mr. Mofied Fauzi, a celebrated Egyptian jounalist and TV personality watched with Azzam the performance of MESTO on DVD. He is waiting for the orchestra to arrive in Cairo! He enthusiastically commented : You have done a marvelous job with this wonderful orchestra...Big bravo"

Dr. Khayri Malat and Dr. Amel Ayad working on a new big project: Research of ancient Egyptian music that goes back to the time of the Pharoahs...

Dr. Abdel Moniem Kamel (M) Chairman, Cairo Opera House gave Maestro Azzam a very warm welcome. Mr. Rauf Sherbini,
Dr. Monammad Hamdy, Dr. Kamel, Nabil Azzam and composer Gamal Salamah.

Dr. Kamel gave his blessing for inviting MESTO to perform in Cairo...details to follow.

Hallway decorated with photos of previous directors of the Cairo Opera House.

..
Ms. Jehan Morsi has just received today her appointment as responsible of the Arabic Music Programs at the Opera House

Do you see 'tripples?' That's right. This is the "Oriental" Piano capable of playing Arabic scales invented by Najieb Nahhas in the early 40's of 20th century. It's on desplay at the artifacts musuem of the Cairo Opera House.

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Azzam examining the bronze bust of the late Egyptian composer/singer Muhammad Abdel Wahhab

And of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum

Celebrated Egyptian poet and lyricist Abdel Rahman Abnudi (Left) and Ud virtuoso Dr. Hussein Saber (R.) Abnudi has written songs for star singer Abdel Halim Hafez. He promised to dedicate a song for Azzam so he'll compose the music.

Azzam at the Museum of M. Abdel Wahhab at the old Conservatory of Arabic Music on Ramsis Ave. downtown Cairo.
Three images of the composer at three different stages of his life appear at the entrance to the Museum.

Mr. Ahmad Rashad, director of the Museum explains to Azzam the computerized archive of the life and work of Abdel Wahhab.

Celebrated Egyptian composer/conductor Omar Khayrat is one of the most successful musician and movie composers in Cairo today.

Mr. 'Alaa Sabir, a young promissing ud virtuoso, son of Dr. Husein Sabir also his ud teacher. 'Alaa is a member of the Omar Khayrat group

Mrs. Lotus Abdel Karim, Editor of "al-Shumu'" magazine talks about her high regards of the late M. Abdel Wahhab and her struggle to better advance the public awareness of the great composer. She has written many articles about the composer and led several symposiums on his music.

Mrs. Abdel Karim shares a moment with Azzam and a marble bust of Abdel Wahhab (in his youth.) This wonderful work is specially commissioned for her by an Egyptian artist.

In Nazareth, Nabil Azzam meets with his friends and shares wonderful memories. At the office of architect M. Abu Nofal (R) and dentist Dr. A. Jammalieh (

With members of the Rotary Club in Nazareth and his brother Dr. Halim Azzam, President (third from right)

In the city of Nazareth, Mr. Atef Fahoum (R) has a policy of open heart to all. At the coffee shop of Mr. Fahoum friends are welcome to meet, chat and discuss daily issues from politics to music! Nabil is always welcome to spend time with leaders of the community...

Nazareth is known for embracing arts and artists. At the old city hall, the work of Ms. Cicile Kahle on the Lebanese star singer Fairouz is occupying a vast space.

The young star singer DALAL rehearses the new song "Amman" that will be premiered in Jordan on July 2007 at the Jerash Festival.

Syrian master singer Mr. Aboud Bashir (middle between concertmistress Leola Wagner and Nabil Azzam) visited MESTO at the Dec. 19 rehearsal. He was accompanied with Maestro Wael Kakish (top right) conductor of the Kan Zaman community ensemble of Arabic music in Los Angeles. MESTO musicians were very pleased to hear Mr. Bashir sing for them some traditional tunes.

Dr. Stanley Sheinbaum is a good friend of Nabil Azzam and sponsor of MESTO. Lately he has written a nice letter to Her Majesty Queen Noor regarding the upcoming concert "Jerash in Hollywood 2006." Thank you Stanley.

HM Queen Noor of Jordan visited Los Angeles on a lecture tour. Co-chairs of "Friends of MESTO" Drs. Raymond Jallow and Hassan Sassi had the chance to meet with the Queen for a short time.

Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein has agreed to co-chair "bringing Jerash to Hollywood in 2006", the internationally celebrated Jordanian Music Festival that was cancelled recently due to the war in the Middle East.

The Jerash Festival for Art and Music that was scheduled to start in Jordan July 26, 2006 has be postponed due the lates development in the Middle East. Mr. Jeryes Samawi, director general of the Festival writes in his formal announcement to all participants today.

The official announcement to the orchestra

Opera singer Anna-Suzette is being told the Festival is postponed!!!

MESTO cellist Ms. Meghan Askins has received her Master Degree in Music from the University of California, Riverside. What makes this degree so special to the orchestra is that her topic reads "Hitting the Red Notes: Arab/American Encounters and Musical Citizenship in MESTO. Congratulations to us all for your achievements. We are so proud of you.

Cellist Meghan Askins at MESTO rehearsal.

FROM AMMAN BY PHONE--Poet Jeryis Samawi, director of the Festival to Nabil Azzam: Jerash Festival is waiting for MESTO, welcome to Amman and bring your great music!

 
In preparation for the Jerash Festival in Amman, Jordan, Maestro Nabil Azzam met with Chairman of the Jerash Festival, Director general of Ministry of Education, poet Jeryis Samawi, below, and Mrs. Lubna Farr.

What a surprise to meet with singer Isma'l Khader and Syrian legendary singer Sabah Fakhri, second from Left.

And, for the first time in Beirut, Lebanon, there was a very special treat to connect with an icon of modern Lebanese music Mr. Elias Rahbani and a young Syrian Superstar singer Ms. Shahed Barmada. A promising talent with great potential for collaboration with MESTO.

...and who deosn't know the famous Lebanese poet and song writer Mr. Henri Zoghaib! He wrote a special song dedicated to Jordan "Amman" to be premiered in Jordan with Palestinian star singer Dalal during the "Jerash Festival" 2007

MESTO will perform at the South Theatre in Jerash, Jordan! Nabil Azzam awaits the orchestra with open arms...

After becoming a US citizen: Dr. Nabil Azzam to visit Nazareth, Amman and Beirut. The 12-day trip is in preparation for the performance of MESTO @ the Jerash Festival on July 30 and 31. Azzam will meet with number of artists including Maestros Elias Rahbani, Mansour Rahbani, Mr. Henri Zoghaib (poet,) and Super Star Ms. Shahed Barmada and Tony Hanna among others. Nabil will return to Los Angeles on June 5.

May 3, 2006

Nabil Azzam with Polish former president Mr. Lech Valesa and Dr. Raymond Jallow at the annual meeting of Arab-American Institute dinner in Washington, DC where awards of the Kahlil Gibran Foundation distributed. Queen Noor of Jordan also attended the event and presented an award of her late father Najeeb Halaby to Senator John Sunun

MARCH 25, 2006
Meeting with HRH Prince Turki al-Faysal during his visit to LA. Dr. Raymond Jallow, Dr. Hassan Sassi, HRH Prince Turki, Maestro Nabil Azzam and his daughter Nura

March 19, 2006
FRIENDS of MESTO, a new support group is established.
Dr. Hassan Sassi (left) Dr. Raymond Jallow and Maestro Nabil Azzam met in Hollywood to launch the new group headed by the two wonderful friends of the orchestra

Qanun master Ibrahim Naddaf and star singer May Naddaf (Canada) visited MESTO on Feb. 21. MESTO musicians had the chance to hear Mr. Naddaf improvise on his Qanun. May also sang one of her favorate songs accompanied by MESTO without any preparation..

Photos by Mansour Mouasher

MESTO received an invitation to perform at the famous internationalJerashFestival in Jordan under the baton of Nabil Azzam, (August 2006.) This will be the 25th anniversay of the Festival. A special committee was formed to determine the program of the concert that includes instrumental and vocal compositions. MESTO plays variety of both Arabic and classical music. Renouned Jordanian oud player Sami Khoury will be one of the orchestra's guest artists...
Stay tuned for an update.

In the last concert, at Zipper Hall in Los Angeles, MESTO honored five of its members. They were given a special recognition for their years of serving their community with their exeptional talent. The five are: Charlie Gould (bassoon); Joseph Chamaa (violin); Tom Jones (clarinet); Hans Phillips (viola) and concertmistress Laola Wagner (violin). The ceremony took place at the beginning of the second half of the concert. Dr. Raymond Jallow and maestro Nabil Azzam presented the awards among the cheering orchestra and the audience...Congratulations.

-Gould------Chamaa------Jones------Phillips-------Wagner

Just in...

MESTO is now in association with American InterContinnental University. Students of this institution are accepted to internship program with MESTO for credit. Congratulations...