De Vleeschhouwer, Ward

Ward De Vleeschhouwer is a pianist, composer and performer. He began studying piano at the E. Hullebroeck Academy in Ghent and continued his training at the Royal Conservatoire of Ghent, where he studied piano with Claude Coppens and Daan Vandewalle, composition with Luc Brewaeys and Frank Nuyts, and improvisation with Peter Vermeersch. As a composer, he writes chamber music, music for theatre and works in which traditional instruments from different cultures play an important role.

Folk music is a central source of inspiration in his work, particularly African music and rhythm. In works such as Gwoni, Zaouli, Dounoumba and Kwela, he explores African instruments, ostinatos and rhythmic ambiguity. He also draws inspiration from myths and legends, notably in works for the Thelema Trio, of which he is a member. With this ensemble, comprising piano, clarinet and saxophone, he explores contemporary music beyond conventional classical boundaries. In 2003, he also founded A Tryst, a project bringing together his own compositions, West African music and contemporary dance. His music generally retains a tonal centre without becoming tonal in the traditional sense.