Nabil Azzam

Nabil Azzam, Ph.d., Ud, violin and viola: was born in Nazareth to a musical family. He studied violin with well known performers at the Rubin Conservatory of Music in Haifa and he received a BA from Tel-Aviv University, a BM from the Rubin Academy of Music, an MA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. Azzam holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from UCLA. He is accomplished in two musical styles: European Classical and that of the Middle East. In his capacity as conductor, composer, violinist, and ‘ud player, Dr. Azzam has performed, recorded and arranged works by other composers. In 1987, the late Egyptian composer, ‘Abd al-Wahhab, composed a dedicatory piece for him: violin and orchestra. Before the latest unrest in the Middle East, Dr. Azzam took part in the peace efforts by participating in a number of concerts, sharing the stage with famous musicians. Former President Clinton, President Arafat, and Mrs. Rabin have acknowledged his peace efforts and the development of MESTO is part of this peace goal. In addition, Dr. Azzam is developing a multi-ethnic youth orchestra to be held at WLA College, where MESTO gave its debut concert in 2001.