GFVP sounds a bit like the title of a book by Roald Dahl, but it’s actually the abbreviation of the Ghent Folk Violin Project. Using the violin as the central instrument, this ensemble draws on European traditions, complemented by new compositions inspired by John Zorn, Philip Glass, African music and even Bach. The warm sounds of the talented young cellist Jasmijn Lootens are blended with the swinging folk style of Naomi Vercauteren, supported harmonically by the guitar of Jeroen Knapen and the multi-facetted vigour of the leader, Wouter Vandenabeele. It comes as no surprise that Wouter’s musical curiosity should have led him to take an interest in Syrian musicians. With the oriental violin of Shalan Alhamwy and the oud of Elias Bachoura, the varied repertoire of GFVP is enhanced by an enchanting Syrian touch. As well as Elias and Wouter’s own compositions, GFVP also performs music by renowned Arab composers such as Munir Bachir and Anouar Brahim, as well as traditional Belgian and Greek melodies. All this is mixed with mesmerising taksims and astonishing improvisations in which the diverse styles of the musicians are marvellously expressed.

The evening will open with the fourth concert by the World Music Chain, a relay of concerts in which the violinist Ananta Roosens (La Sieste du Dromadaire, Aranis) will take the stage together with a musician whose identity will have been made known at The World Music Chain concert # 3 on 27 January.

Previous musicians in the in World Music Chain were Vardan Hovanissian (Armenia), Asad Qizilbash (Pakistan) and Gueladio Bâ (Mauretania).

GFVP

• Wouter Vandenabeele: violin
• Jeroen Knapen: guitar
• Jasmijn Lootens: cello
• Naomi Vercauteren: violin
• Elias Bachoura: oud
• Shalan Alhamwy: violin