Introducing Ward
I am an accordionist with a deep-rooted passion for contemporary classical music. My studies have taken me through LUCA School of Arts Lemmens and KASK & Conservatorium Hogent, with further development in the advanced master’s program in contemporary music with Ictus. As part of GLOW Collective and the Safety Last Soundpainting Ensemble, I explore unique musical expressions and find fulfillment in collaborative performances.Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing with leading new music ensembles, collaborating closely with top musicians, composers, choreographers, dancers, visual artists and spoken word artists. Teaching is also a vital part of my journey, as I offer lessons in accordion and improvisation, encouraging young musicians to discover their own creative paths. I am closely engaged in projects for children, helping to spark their curiosity and joy for musical exploration.
GLoW Collective
With this collective of skilled musicians, we explore the intimacy of chamber music through an adventurous lineup of guitars, accordion, cello, flutes, and clarinets. Together, we create a fresh soundscape that highlights contemporary composed music. We focus on producing conceptual performances with young artists from various fields, committing to provide an engaging experience that fosters a close bond with our audience.
Safety Last Soundpainting Ensemble
Ten artistic adventurers from classical music and jazz united at the request of music center De Bijloke for a live-composed soundtrack. Our name reflects our philosophy of balancing together on a tightrope with no safety net, as each piece is created live through Soundpainting—a gestural language for composition developed by New York composer Walter Thompson. The ensemble collaborates with Thompson and performs with him on occasion, further enriching our unique approach. This is Belgium’s only ensemble dedicated to this spontaneous form of composition.
Nadar Ensemble
The Nadar Ensemble focuses on adventure, interdisciplinarity, and a critical engagement with today's world, often incorporating new technologies. I collaborated with them on the project Third Space by composer Stefan Prins and choreographer Daniel Linehan, where my accordion featured microtonal reeds. Additionally, I played Simon Steen-Andersen's piece Asthma during performances with the ensemble, showcasing the innovative spirit and dynamic creativity that defines their work.
Ictus
Ictus is a contemporary music ensemble based in Brussels, established in 1994 as the live band for the Rosas dance company. As part of the advanced Master’s program for Contemporary Music at the School of Arts Ghent, I was coached by the musicians of the ensemble, collaborating with notable composers and artists such as Alexandra Cárdenas, Tim Parkinson, Jürg Frey, Jesse Broekman, Ruud Roelofsen, Heike Langsdorf, and David Helbich.Additionally, I participated in the research phase of First Memory by Noé Soulier and Karl Naegelen, investigating the relationship between gesture and music to develop a new musical language that transcends traditional categories.These experiences have significantly enriched my engagement with contemporary music and experimental performance.
P.A.R.T.S
I worked closely with three dancers from the P.A.R.T.S. school for contemporary dance—Júlia Rúbies Subirós, Margarida Marques Ramalhete, and Georges Labbat— who are part of generation 12. Together, we created a performance set to music of Alvin Lucier titled: http://fortrioclickhere.wixsite.com/trioI was also involved in the research stage of Somnia, the graduation project for P.A.R.T.S. students with Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. This project seeks an ecological aesthetic, moving beyond traditional theatre to create a performance that blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
L.O.D. muziektheater
In 1995, Alain Platel, the driving force behind les ballets C de la B, and Dick van der Harst, co-founder of LOD muziektheater, created the legendary production La Tristeza Complice. They delved into the works of Henry Purcell, selecting only the pieces that resonated with them in a 'brutal' manner, treating them as pop music for their music theater production.I performed the revival of this production in concert form, which featured 10 accordions and singer Lieselot De Wilde. After the performances for Bijloke Wonderland, it was recorded at De Singel for Podium19, a dedicated TV channel that showcased primarily new productions from various Flemish cultural institutions while theaters were still feeling the impact of the coronavirus.
Education
I currently offer accordion and improvisation classes at Conservatorium Brugge and SAMWD Dendermonde, where I guide learners in exploring both traditional techniques and creative expression. Additionally, I work with De Veerman, an organization dedicated to fostering artistic exploration, learning, and play. Through projects like Twice Upon, featuring the music of Luciano Berio, and Handsfree, a choreographed piece by Anna Meredith, we aim to connect young people with unique musical experiences. I've also collaborated with visual artist Anneleen De Causmaecker on Musica’s Eersteklasconcerten, an initiative crafted to inspire children and families to learn and enjoy music together.
