The Paul Rans Ensemble was founded in 1989 by Paul Rans, Philippe Malfeyt, Piet Stryckers and Paul Van Loey, occasionally reinforced by violinist An Van Laethem. It presents popular songs and instrumental music from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Their performances are characterised by a lively and improvisational approach. The ensemble collaborated with the Moroccan group Weshm, singer and hurdy-gurdy player Claude Flagel, actress Antje De Boeck and the British a cappella group Coope Boyes & Simpson. With the latter, they performed a war programme in London and Ypres in 2014 during the WWI commemoration.