About Us

Hijaz is a multi-ethnic group based around the dialogue between the oud/qanun and the piano. Hijaz is an Arabic musical scale but also holds a clear reference to jazz. Where Arabic music is the starting point, jazz is the open attitude towards diverse musical cultures. Hijaz is a close quartet exploring differences and similarities in Mediterranean cultures in order to create harmony, warmth and musical beauty. More than 10 years already, Hijaz is searching for the perfect symbioses between Mediterranean warmth, polyrhythmic structures and musical virtuosity. In a tight formation of four core musicians, Hijaz captures the magic of the moment during their concerts. Recently, in the Spring of 2021, Hijaz aligned with a cello and two violins for 8 new songs by Hijaz and arranged for strings by bass player Ben Faes. Above all, the fellowship of these four friends & musicians gives a way to the heart of audiences all around the globe.

Ben Faes (Double Bass - Belgium)

Ben Faes is a bass player based in Antwerp, graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. From 1997 to 2001 he was selected for the European Union Youth Orchestra. He played under the direction of conductors such as Bernard Haitink, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, Paavo Järvi and Sir Colin Davis. As a classical bass player, Ben Faes worked together with the Spectra ensemble, Anima Eterna, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra … Ben is currently playing with the "De Groote-Faes duo" with which he has made two recordings "and Route" and "Symphony for 2 little boys - featuring Dave Douglas”. These records were well received by the international press. He also collaborated with Wannes Van De Velde, Raymond Van Het Groenewoud, Kommil Foo, Roland Van Campenhout and many other artists.

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