WÖR (promounced "were") are a Flemish quintet bringing new energy to 18th century tunes from the Flanders region of Belgium.

The band shines an inventive spotlight on tunes that have received very little modern exposure. While there are clear influences from Celtic, jazz, and pop music, the band has created its own brew. In the mix are saxophones, violin, bagpipes, accordion and guitar.

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With their first album 'Back to the 1780's' (Appel Rekords, 2015), WÖR have demonstrated that it is possible to come up with some very imaginative treatments of traditional music and bring new life to beautiful melodies, which have spent years in obscurity. Their second album 'Sssht' (Appel Rekords, 2017), produced by Finnish violin legend Esko Järvelä, is another example of the band's modern approach and one to catch the ear. 'About Towers' (2020) is a very cohesive and mature album, and a great tribute to carillon bell players of a time. 

 

On January 23rd, 2026 their new album ‘Songbooks’ in collaboration wit the vocal ensemble Kongero, will be released.

 

On stage, WÖR play intense live shows and were nominated Best Live Band of the Year at the 2021 and 2025 Flanders Folk Awards. Their live performances best suit theaters but are also a good fit for festival stages.  The band is regularly touring Benelux, the GAS countries, and North America. All members are astonishing musicians, coaxing fantastic sounds out of their chosen instruments.

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The band is currently working on a new project about Bruegel with video artist Gertjan Biasino. ​Get ready to be surprised!