Over the past 15 years, Ward Dhoore has toured across Europe, the United States, and Canada with a wide range of (inter)national projects. Known for his innovative approach to acoustic music in which he uniquely blends influences from various genres, he has received multiple awards across a range of projects. He was also selected by Radio Klara for their series ‘De Twintigers’, which features promising young composers they consider to be ‘the great names of tomorrow’.

After years of exciting collaborations in various bands and projects, Ward presents ‘It Was All Heart’ as a personal and refined solo debut — his first release to place his own instrumental compositions at the center. Melancholic and cinematic tracks infused with elements of contemporary classical music, minimalism, folk and jazz form the core of this album.

For the recording of the album he surrounded himself with a group of inspiring musicians he met along the way — during tours, on stage or through earlier collaborations. What emerged is a deeply personal and immersive sound, crafted together with an ensemble of international artists from diverse musical backgrounds: Seraphine Stragier on cello, Louis Favre on drums, Esther Coorevits on viola, Oscar Beerten on violin and Hardanger fiddle, and Daniel Herskedal on tuba and bass trumpet.

In his music Ward weaves personal stories and atmospheric impressions into a reflection on the world — on what troubles and keeps him awake but also what moves him deeply: hopeful gestures, warm connections, and quiet beauty. With ‘It Was All Heart’, he invites you to dream, explore, and come to rest — a heartwarming, genre-defying listening experience.

Video: Ward Dhoore - Slow Down (Live at De Zevende Dag - VRT1)

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