The aim of the NSO Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (NSO), founded in 2011, is to capture the imagination with extraordinary performances, educational offerings, community service and partnerships to bring people together in the United Arab Emirates.

Our mission is to "engage, enrich and inspire" through a series of Classical and Contemporary concerts each year featuring Emirati guest artists and international guest artists residing in the UAE. In addition, Chamber Music concerts, a Young Artist Concerto Competition and several exciting educational programmes for all ages are also included.

NSO has been seen by over 40,000 people locally in their own concerts and guest events such as the "Video Games Live" multimedia event from Los Angeles, Disney's 'Frozen in Concert' and the launch of Andrea Bocelli's "Cinema World Tour" concert.

They are also developing a world-wide audience as was seen in their performance at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Dubai World Cup Horse Race and performances of the BBC's "Blue Planet in Concert Live" at the Volvo Ocean Race held in Abu Dhabi.

The NSO is made up of over 100 professional musicians who are all resident in the UAE. Our cultural make-up is drawn from over 20 nationalities. Their combined talent and passion for music never fails to move an audience, whether it is with Classical and Romantic orchestral repertoire, Arabic music, Motion Picture Soundtracks, Broadway hits or Jazz.

NSO musicians, through the NSO's Music Agency, are often called upon to perform in smaller ensembles for corporate, government and private events. They also support. through NSO's social responsibility objectives, music therapy programmes with their 'healing music' at various health institutions throughout the UAE as well as work with local and international charities to create awareness and improve the quality of life for those in need.

Musical director and conductor Andrew Berryman has a true mission to reach out and share his musical vision with the audience. He is beloved for his welcoming stage presence and enthrals both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers with his warm approach from the podium and by the relaxed ethos of NSO's concerts.

As Founder and Executive Director who has lived in the UAE for the past 32 years, it has been a privilege and honour to work with so many talented individuals who have given their time and talents to see this organisation come so far in just two seasons. Not only the gifted musicians and musical director but also administrative staff and volunteers who have given so much of themselves to see this vision of a resident orchestra of excellence for the UAE become a reality.

Our NSO corporate sponsors and supporting sponsorship programme members are a vital link to NSO's fiscal success. On our website, there is a section called "Support US". This section explains the many ways of gift-giving to NSO. All of our sponsors and partners are all true, "Friends of the Orchestra".

As an orchestra, we are in a unique position for global communication, as the language of music requires no translation and has the power to bring people closer together.
The NSO aspires through its performances to help make Abu Dhabi and the UAE a place where every culture, every nation, every tradition can meet and, through the universal language of the arts, relate to our common, human interest: peace, tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. The bridge between cultures and all people can be celebrated by making clear the connection we all have, culturally, musically and artistically.

What the NSO Symphony Orchestra demonstrates above all else is a collective passion to realize a dream. We thank you for being a part of our dream. We know you will be moved by what you hear in our 10th Season 2020-2021.