WTC presents WÖR — Folk with a Belgian attitude

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents WÖR, a brilliant quintet known for their lively shows that reimagine classic folk music from the Flanders region of Belgium. An ensemble of highly accomplished musicians, WÖR will perform on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Almost 300 years ago, some musicians from around Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Leuven decided to write down their favorite music. As time passed, however, the paper turned yellow, the ink began to fade, and the music itself was left to gather dust along with the faded manuscripts. That is, until now. With their finely textured arrangements, WÖR (pronounced ‘were’) injects new energy into 18th-century melodies from Belgium, shining an inventive spotlight on this unique music with a distinct, modern twist. All members are astonishing musicians, coaxing fantastic sounds from their saxophones, violin, bagpipes, accordion and guitar. Get ready to be surprised by their hip, catchy and original brew with clear influences from Celtic, jazz, and pop music.

WÖR is comprised of Fabio Di Meo on baritone saxophone, Jeroen Goegebuer on fiddle, Bert Ruymbee on accordion, Jonas Scheys on guitar, and Pieterjan Van Kerckhoven on bagpipes, soprano sax, and the baroque musette. They have released 3 albums (“Back to the 1780's” in 2015, “Sssht” in 2017 and “About Towers” in 2021) and have toured Europe, Australia, Canada and the U.S. In August 2018, WÖR won the German award 'Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik' with their album “Sssht” and in 2021, they were nominated for Best Live Band at the Flemish Folk Awards. Their album “About Towers” made it onto the European World Music Charts, highlighting a vast carillon repertoire from the Low Countries. The carillon - a set of tuned bronze bells suspended in a large tower - used to function like a radio station in the late Middle Ages, playing the hits of the day to everyone in the surrounding area.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. A free outreach performance for elementary and middle school students is sponsored by American Bank.