The aim of the NSO Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (NSO) 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 worldwide audience as was seen on 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, Broadway hits or Jazz. 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 enthralls both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers with his warm approach from the podium. The NSO was founded in 2011 by Janet Hassouneh, an entrepreneur and former opera singer. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the USA where she received many prestigious awards and scholarships for her singing, in both Washington and New York.