The Metropolitan Orchestra Middle East (MEMO) was founded in 2021 by Andrew Berryman(Conductor, Trombone) and Adam Long (Producer, Saxophone).
They combine their knowledge in orchestra and big band performance with production andlogistics resulting in world class performances across the GCC – accompanying artists,performing musical theatre style shows, concerts and bespoke concepts.
Concepts available include;
Big Band
Chamber Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
Film in Concert
Robot Orchestra
Andy
Andrew (Andy) trained as a trombone player and has held Principal Trombone seats in the Ulster and Halle Orchestra’s during his career. He was also trombone professor at the Royal Northern College of Music and taught at Salford University and Chethams School of Music (all in the UK). Andy has given clinics and masterclasses around the world including Julliard, Manhatten School of Music and The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Many of Andy’s students are now in key orchestral and military band positions around the world.
As a musician Andy has played with most of the UK’s leading orchestras. As a soloist he has performed with the Halle, the Ulster Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, Siddis Brass (Norway) and more recently the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra. He has also been featured on many CD’s as a soloist and recorded a solo CD with Doyen. Through his success, in 2009, Andy recorded a highly successful CD of Michael Nyman’s work.
Over the past 10 years conducting has played a large part in Andy’s career, having taken the helm of various orchestras and bands across the GCC as well as projects closer to his UK home. Andy was the Musical Director of the Wingates Brass Band from 2005-2008 who enjoyed success at the French Open, the US Open, the Senior Cup and the Area contests, and he regularly conducts The Berrytones Big Band in Germany a few times each year.
Most recently Andy has been conducting Dubai Opera Big Band in Dubai Opera.
Adam
Adam is the Founder of SOLE Agency – a leading music & entertainment agency in the region, based in Dubai for over 10 years. SOLE Agency supply artists to the finest hotels, bars & clubs, private and corporate events, and large sporting activations & events.
Adam is a saxophonist and has been performing as a soloist with leading brands such as Cafe del Mar, Hed Kandi, Nikki Beach and most recently LIV Golf across the GCC for 15+ years. He has performed in various local and international bands over his time based in the UAE.
Adam co-founded of The Green Room Jazz Club, City Walk in Dubai in 2018 with much success, and a project that Dubai keeps asking to return. Most recently Adam launched Original Mix DJs – a DJ school for young music lovers to learn the craft and artistry in the ever popular art of DJing!
Adam has been working with Dubai Opera in various manners since it opened its doors in 2016. He now regularly works with the team producing the Dubai Opera Big Band.
An orchestra for every occasion – whether it’s on stage
supporting a leading artist, performing a classic musical
work by an esteemed composer, or playing a selection of
works for a corporate event, this orchestra certainly
packs a punch!
Andy and Adam are both huge big band fans! They have
produced six Dubai Opera Big Band concerts since 2021,
all performed at Dubai Opera.
In March 2022 the Metropolitan Orchestra Middle East
Big Band performed the original show ‘A Jazzy Tale’ for
the closing of Riyadh Seasons.
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2021
Dubai Opera Big Band – Jazz Classics highlights
A Jazzy Tale highlights