The Bangalore Men

The Bangalore Men – an all-male voices ensemble launched in January of 2016, consists of 15 singers, all with many years of previous experience singing in choirs.

The group focuses on western classical music, from eras ranging from medieval music to contemporary, and is conducted by Jonas Olsson, voice faculty at The Bangalore School of Music.

The winter season of 2016 saw a program of a cappella music by composers such as Palestrina, Bach, Purcell and Schubert. The group performed to rave reviews in Bangalore and Pondicherry, and was also featured in various newspapers.

In august 2016 the group presented a concert series called SimplySchubert, with music by Franz Schubert, male choruses, lieder and piano music. The group collaborated with pianist Natallia Kapylova and soprano Payal John. SimplySchubert was performed in Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad and Goa, and got a very warm reception, both from audience and from the press. The group is looking to repeat the programme in other parts of India during coming seasons.

The Christmas-season 2016, saw a programme of old and new, carols and classics, solos and choirs, all performed under the theme Carols in the City at various venues in Bangalre The winter season saw a collaboration with The Cecilian Choir, in performing Vivaldi's Gloria together with soloists and an orchestra from Sweden, as well as a repeat of SimplySchubert at St Mark's Cathedral, Bangalore. Both concerts were part of the 30th year celebrations of the Bangalore School of Music.

In April 2017, the group made a collaborative performance with the India National Youth Orchestra and The Vienna University Symphony Orchestra and Choir, performing Beethoven's 9th Symphony at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bangalore. Our conductor, Jonas Olsson, sang the baritone solo.

Currently the choir works towards a performance of Gustav Holst's Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, together with Kerala-based pianist Vimal Kurian. The programme will preimere in Bangalore end of August 2017.

The group is affiliated with The Bangalore School of Music, and is coached by Ms Maria Forsström (Sweden).