Est. Los Angeles · MMII
A Western orchestra of many tongues — under the baton of Dr. Nabil Azzam
23years 12+cultures 3continents
MESTO — the Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra — is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit ensemble that performs the music of the world inside the architecture of the Western orchestra. Strings, winds, brass, and percussion sit beside qanun, oud, nay, riq, and mandolin.
Founded and conducted by Dr. Nabil Azzam, the orchestra has performed on the stages of the Cairo Opera House, the Royal Opera House of Muscat, UCLA's Schoenberg Hall, the Downey Theatre, and most recently The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.
Our repertoire moves freely between Arabic classical, Mediterranean, Romanian, Celtic, Latin American, and standard symphonic literature — held together by the conviction that no culture's music belongs to a single audience.
Read the full storySaturday Evening
September 12 MMXXVI
7:00 PM
ADMIT ONE
Featured Performance
The MESTO Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Nabil Azzam, invites you to an inspiring concert featuring outstanding guest artists and a vibrant selection of beautiful works.
Recent Engagements
14 · IX · 2025
The Broad Stage · Santa Monica
16 · IX · 2023
Featuring Nasri Atweh & Nisreen Hajaj
24 · III · 2019
The Downey Theatre
Conductor · Violinist · Founder
Ethnomusicologist, conductor, and violinist, Dr. Nabil Azzam founded MESTO to honor the music he was raised on — and to invite the Western orchestra into a much larger conversation.
“In recognition of his contribution to Arab music in general, and Egyptian music in particular.
MESTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every concert, every recording, every honored guest artist exists because of people like you. Help us bring the world's music to one stage — one season at a time.
Friend
$100
Most Loved
Patron
$500
Benefactor
$1,000
