BL!NDMAN [vox]

Through collaborations with the three quartets BL!NDMAN [drums], BL!NDMAN [strings] and BL!NDMAN [vox], the master quartet BL!NDMAN [sax] shares 20 years of performing experience with the oncoming wave of young musicians and makes it possible for the two generations to exchange ideas.

BL!NDMAN [vox] is a new quartet of singers (soprano, contralto, tenor and bass-baritone) working in connection and in collaboration with the other quartets of the BL!NDMAN collective. The aim of the vocal quartet is to develop and create programmes that integrate old and new compositions around specific artistic concepts. The singers strive to create a unique sound as a vocal ensemble, however programming endeavours to combine the use of voice, movement, lighting, amplification, and space to create atmospheric and innovative performances. Early music is presented utilising the singers’ skills and experiences in historical performance practices, although it also serves as the basis and inspiration for new works employing extended vocal techniques and electronic compositional means. Modern compositions similarly seek to illuminate the relationship between new and old while also embracing contemporary explorations of the human voice and body.

As an ensemble in residence at the Brigittines- Centre for Contemporary Art Movement and Voice of the City of Brussels during the season 2008-2009, BL!NDMAN [vox] developed their unique sound through regular rehearsals at this marvellous venue in Brussels.

Together with BL!NDMAN [sax] they present since 2007 and 2008 two successful programs: BL!NDMAN plays Buxtehude and Secret Masses. During their residence at the Brigittines, they developed Turntables 4 Voices, a production for vocal quartet and turntables, conceived by Eric Sleichim.

From January 2010 on BL!NDMAN [vox] presented Kwadratur #2/Transfo in several (inter)national theaters, together with the other BL!NDMAN-quartets.

In 2011 the vocal quartet presents a program with music by Heiner Goebbels and David Lang in the framework of Ars Musica.

BL!NDMAN [sax] + [vox] present, together with Cristina Zavalloni, Eric Sleichim’s opera/performance Utopia :: 47 – a very last Passion, to be premiered at the Holland Festival in June 2011

(update: 15/02/2011)