The name of this ensemble says it all: Hewar (Dialogue in Arabic). It is an attempt to transcend the barriers of cultural disparities and misconceptions, and establish a civilized communication which builds on what brings humans closer together rather than separates them. This is achieved through a unique musical exchange between different musical personalities (using each individual instrument as the only means of this musical communication), reflecting an approach that is as musically-based as much as it has social and political references and subtexts.

Bringing together an amazingly fresh and diverse musical palate and influences, and drawing from an array of musical traditions—namely Arabic, jazz, scat, opera and classical music; is what makes it a truly unique venture. The band, building on the acclaimed individual talents of each of its members, juxtaposes and meshes these musical styles to create a truly one-of-a-kind genre-breaking music. The musician-personality—rather than instruments—driven approach, justifies Hewar's ostensibly strange and eclectic line-up comprising Oud, Clarinet, Cello, DoubleBass, Percussion and Soprano, emphasizes the ability of music to express a wide scope of human emotions (joy, sorrow, fear, hope, and solitude) in a universal, easily-accessible vernacular. This makes for a distinctively unique sound, a sound that allows for an open-ended dialogue between Arabic music, jazz and western classical melodies—a conscious decision by the band's members.
Hewar was unveiled with a concert that took place in the historical setting of al-Zaytuna church in Damascus' old city in September 2003. The venue was packed to maximum capacity with 1,500 people, all of whom came through word-of-mouth to witness this event. The concert was such an immense success, and created a positive buzz for the band, leading to a follow-up and equally successful concert in the American University of Beirut (AUB) in January 2004, under the auspices of the Syrian Club.

Hewar was soon to embark on a world tour that included couple US tours, concerts in Germany, France, England, Japan, Lebanon and Egypt, as well as very frequent appearances in Syria. All this was followed by the release of two albums “Hewar” in 2005 and “9 Days of Solitude” in 2007. A third CD is now in the making under the Japanese label “airplane” and shall be released in December 2008.