Wouter Vandenabeele is an internationally renowned violinist, composer, arranger, and artistic director with a strong reputation in world and folk music. Since the 1990s, he has showcased his versatility: as a member of the influential folk group Ambrozijn, he helped lay the foundations for the folk revival in Flanders.

From this solid starting point, he grew into a sought-after composer and arranger, and the driving force behind numerous original projects. He founded the world orchestra Olla Vogala, which under his leadership claimed a unique place in the Flemish music scene. With his Chansons series (Chanson sans paroles, Chansons pour la fin d’un jour, Chansons pour le temps qui reste and Chansons pour les oiseaux qui ne savent pas voler), he reveals a more intimate, introspective side of his artistry.

As a musician and artistic director of projects such as Hiraeth, Tamala and GFVP, he continues to tell new musical stories, always seeking encounters with other cultures and genres. Collaborations with artists from around the globe – including Senegalese violinist Issa Sow – enrich his work and lend it a truly international character.

His impressive track record also includes major, prestigious productions, such as the Hadzidakis project for the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the Moroccan-Flemish Brared Ataï, and Zuiderwind, a project with African musicians. His concert tours have taken him to Taiwan, China, South Africa, Greece, Senegal, Lebanon, Brazil, and beyond

Effortlessly moving between tradition and innovation, Wouter Vandenabeele approaches music with an open ear for new influences and an open heart for creative encounters.