Ghent Folk Violin Project + Livia Giaffreda

GFVP weaves European traditional music with surprising crossovers, inspired by the avant-garde of John Zorn and the minimalism of Philip Glass. The quintet presents its new album OGOPOGO, together with guest musicians Livia Giaffreda and Vincent Noiret.

The Ghent Folk Violin Project (GFVP) is back. Sometimes sharing the stage is simply inevitable. Four energetic violins, supported by rhythmic guitar, form the recognizable GFVP sound: tight, almost without vibrato, yet rich and versatile, with influences from folk, classical, world music, and jazz.

Composer and conductor Wouter Vandenabeele surrounds himself with young talent and distinctive styles: Lotte Remmen brings elegant classical, Anouk Sanczuk daring jazz, and Naomi Vercauteren subtle folk swing. Jeroen Knapen’s guitar strengthens their acoustic interplay. GFVP stands for European tradition with unexpected cross-pollinations, inspired by avant-garde and provocative minimalism.

At De Centrale, GFVP delivers a unique concert with two special guests: Livia Giaffreda, singer and percussionist from Southern Italy, and Vincent Noiret, double bassist with a deep affinity for Southern Italian musical culture. Together they create an encounter between the powerful GFVP sound and the rich Mediterranean traditions. It promises to be an evening full of energy, authenticity, and southern warmth.
In spring 2025, OGOPOGO was released, named after a mythical creature from Canada. Like the legend, the music blends traditions and stories full of surprises, focusing not on truth but on the evolution of the myth. With this album, GFVP continues to build a playful and imaginative musical tradition.

Livia Giaffreda, originally from Puglia, renews the Southern Italian tradition with warm vocals and expressive percussion. She combines folk and world music with Mediterranean rhythms and contributed to Hiraeth, Wouter Vandenabeele’s project on melancholy.

Vincent Noiret, a double bassist with a classical and jazz background, studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. He founded the trio Tricycle and collaborated with Didier Laloy, Luc Pilartz, Steve Houben, and Ghalia Benali. He also develops personal projects such as Nisia with Sicilian singer Emanuela Lodato and Jonathan De Neck on diatonic accordion.