MHL Vocalband Vox Mandala: MANDALA

How does vocal music sound today? Vocal music, deeply rooted in all cultures, serves as a means of expression, communication, and connection. Fifteen singers from the University of Music Lübeck, known as Vox Mandala, offer their personal response through singing, reflecting the stylistic diversity as suggested by the mentality and tradition of the old Hanseatic city of Lübeck, a former global trading hub.

Their music encompasses genres such as pop, world music, electronic, and jazz, sung both a cappella and with a band, with lyrics in various languages. Following the success of the LübeckSounds series' two big band albums, "Timeless Changes" and "Changing Times," crossover specialist and conductor Bernd Ruf presents a vocal big band, merging seamlessly with an instrumental rhythm section to form a unique and rare ensemble.

From the MHL Vocal Band to Vox Mandala: In late 2017, Bernd Ruf founded the MHL Vocal Band with 15 singers at the University of Music Lübeck. The ensemble's boundless energy is palpable as solo-trained singers in pop/jazz vocals come together in a vocal big band. The group, now known as Vox Mandala, quickly gained prominence, headlining events like the Taichung Jazz Festival in Taiwan and performing at prestigious festivals such as the German Film Music Days in Saxony-Anhalt, the Handel Festival in Halle, and the Stereopark Festival in Lübeck. The name Vox Mandala reflects the unity in diversity and diversity in unity, symbolizing the ensemble's broad stylistic, sonic, and linguistic range.

Bernd Ruf is a pioneer of classical crossover, bridging classical music, jazz, pop, and world music for over 30 years. He directs and coaches various ensembles, including symphony orchestras, big bands, pop choirs, Klezmer, and tango groups. His accolades include a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2001 and the Golden Melody Award in Taiwan in 2016. Since 2004, he has taught at the University of Music Lübeck. Additionally, Ruf played clarinet for 22 years alongside bandoneon maestro Raul Jaurena, among other notable collaborations.

For more information, visit: https://www.voxmandala.de/