The Ensemble
The Aachen Men’s Vocal Ensemble was founded in late 2017. Within a year, it doubled its membership from the seven founding members to its current 18 singers, ranging in age from 18 to 35. The young ensemble is dedicated to a broad repertoire ranging from classical to modern music, primarily in the field of a cappella literature. The singers are motivated by both the warm sound of Romantic male choral singing and fresh interpretations of contemporary arrangements. The ensemble places particular emphasis on a homogeneous and delicate sound; to achieve this, it often departs from conventional choral formations to provide listeners with a unique auditory experience.
Since June 2019, the Aachen Men’s Vocal Ensemble has been a member of the CV NRW.
Choral Direction
Andrea Jacobs began her musical training as a child, studying the classical instruments recorder and piano. She gained her first experience as a singer in 2013 with the Hochtaunus Youth Choir under the direction of Tristan Meister (Jan Schumacher), where she remains an active member. She also sings in the ensemble’s alumni choir, the Hochtaunus Chamber Choir (Tristan Meister). She further developed these skills as a member of the Hesse State Youth Choir (Jürgen Fassbender, Axel Pfeiffer). After moving to Aachen in 2016, she joined the Aachen Young Choir under the direction of Prof. Fritz ter Wey.
Andrea Jacobs received her initial training in choral conducting in 2017 and 2018 under Prof. Fritz ter Wey and Willi Kastenholz, completing the CV NRW choral conducting certification program with top honors. From November 2022 to April 2024, she completed the B-level course in classical choral conducting at the Bundesakademie Wolfenbüttel under Prof. Cornelius Trantow and Mikko Sidoroff. Since September 2024, she has been studying choral conducting as her major with Hans Leenders at the Conservatorium Maastricht in the Netherlands.
In 2017, she founded the Männervokalensemble Aachen e.V., which she continues to lead musically. From December 2022 to May 2024, she also worked as an assistant choir director to Prof. Fritz ter Wey at the Aachen Young Choir.
Vocal Training
Nima Pournaghshband is a countertenor, composer, and choir director in the Euregio. His repertoire ranges from Baroque to contemporary music, including acclaimed performances of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. In September 2024, he performed as a soloist in the world premiere of a work by Dutch composer Gerard Berljon with the Studium Chorale choir, conducted by Hans Leenders. In 2024, Nima reached the finals of the Dutch TV show “Aria.” Master classes have taken him to Ghent to study with Philippe Herreweghe and Dorothee Mields, among others. In addition to his work as a soloist, he is a member of the ensembles Studium Chorale, Opera Zuid, and Theater Aachen, performing as both a baritone and an alto.
His work as a composer reflects his multifaceted nature and diverse cultural influences, including his Iranian heritage. His piece Spaghetti was awarded first prize at the MAM Competition.
Nima is currently pursuing a master’s degree in classical voice in Kai Wessel’s class at the HfMT Cologne.
For the Männervokalensemble Aachen e.V., Nima offers singers voice training sessions every two weeks. These sessions can be tailored to the individual needs of the members.
KHG Aachen
The Aachen Men’s Vocal Ensemble is part of the Catholic University Community of Aachen (KHG Aachen). Among other things, the KHG Aachen provides the rehearsal space, and the ensemble sings regularly at the community’s weekly church services.
In addition to musical enrichment, the KHG Aachen offers a wide range of opportunities for intercultural exchange, exploration of religious issues, and support in everyday life—not only for students.
