Universe is the debut album of the Damascus String Quintet of the Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra, released in celebration of the quintet’s 10th anniversary. Featuring first and second violins, viola, cello, and double bass, the album presents eight compositions by eight Syrian composers in the diaspora. Their music poses the question: Do we have a place in this universe? As we evade the answer, the universe’s echo whispers back, inviting us to listen to its story.