CONDUCTORS WORD Dear All, It is such a great feeling when a person contributes to building a cultural and educational model in a country like the United Arab Emirates; where no efforts are spared to reach the highest levels of achievements in education, culture and science and calls for love, peace and equality for all nations. This Orchestra exemplifies this direction by encompassing members from seventeen different nations living in the Emirates. It is equally a rewarding feeling when such efforts and contributions are directed towards the future generations, so that they blossom in talented youngsters and children in to fantastic results.		Riad Kudsi

What has been achieved by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra during the past one decade calls for admiration and analysis. This is what attracted the attention of the Ministry of Culture and Information to reach out and support the Orchestra under the patronage of Sheik Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Nahian. This is a gesture which we are proud to acknowledge and cherish.

I would like to grab this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all those who have supported the Orchestra headed by his Excellency Mr. Saker Ghabbash Undersecretary, Ministry of Culture and Information, Mr. Eid Al Faraj Deputy Director of Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Information and Mr. Khaled AL Bustany. As for the institutions and individuals to whom I am eternally grateful.

Big thanks go to Disney Channel Middle East, who remains our oldest main supporter. Dubai World Trade Center and Fortune Promo Seven have been wonderful to us. Dubai English Speaking School, J.P.S and Rainbow Nursery have been extremely supportive to our efforts. I can not thank enough the help I received from Mr. Gilbert Halabi, Mr. Donald Kilalea, Mrs. Valerie Crowe, Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. Petra Arzberger-Al Nageeb, and above all Mr. S.M. Shakeel The talented guitar teacher from the early days when the Orchestra was mainly a String Orchestra.

I will never forget all the children who passed through the Orchestra since its inception until today. They have my deepest feelings of love and admiration for their relentless effort to make this Orchestra a success. Also I appreciate the support I receive from all the music teachers who participate with their students to make the Orchestra a fulfilling experience. I extend my appreciation to the parents of the children who have spared no effort to transport the children to and from rehearsals or accepted to host rehearsals at their residence.

Finally I cannot thank enough the members of the successive parents committees from the starting years until today for supporting me and for their effort and commitment to the many receptions we organized and the concerts we performed.

Riad Kudsi
Director and Conductor
Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra