Akdeniz ruhuyla modern mandolin

Uygar Mando, Turkish mandolinist, performer and theater artist, was born in 1989 in Ankara where he started his musical journey with classical guitar studies in 1999 before discovering the mandolin in 2010. With a repertoire spanning from Brazilian Choro to Gypsy Jazz, from Turkish and Balkan melodies to electronic music, he has developed a distinctive approach that bridges traditional string instruments with contemporary stage aesthetics, combining storytelling, humor and virtuosity in his performances. He has performed at notable venues and festivals including Sofar Sounds events in İzmir (2022) and Ankara (2025), Kaş Theater Festival (2024), Blooming Touch Festival, Nefes Tai Chi Festival, Gümüşlük Theater Festival (2025), and the mandolin festivals of Ankara, İzmir and İstanbul. He has also appeared at prestigious establishments such as Swiss Hotel Scappi Restaurant and Hiddenbay Restaurant. As a theater musician and composer, Uygar has been actively involved with ODTÜ Oyuncuları (METU Players) since 2007, where he performed as an actor in productions including "Rhinoceros" (2008) and "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" (2010), and composed original music for "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" (2010), "Saint Joan of the Stockyards" (2014), "Powder Keg" (2015), "Momo" (2016), and "Round Heads and Pointed Heads" (2019). With Boş Sahne theater company, he continues to work as both actor and musician in productions such as "Çalgıcı Gülali Masalı" (2015), "Çimidi" (2017), and "The Magnificent Story of Görkem" (2020). His ensemble experience includes DoğuBatı (2011–2017), a nine-piece group blending Turkish and Balkan melodies with jazz, blues and classical elements; Emongas (2017–2020), a quintet combining classical music with Gypsy Jazz; Kaçak Çay (2017–present), an indie rock and funk duo; Gypsy Pavilion (2020–2022), dedicated to Gypsy Jazz performances; and Nota Caravana (2025–present), focused on Brazilian Choro music. Since 2023, he has been collaborating with Darağaç Kolektifi in İzmir, contributing as music coordinator, performer and sound engineer for various cultural events. His recorded work includes the original composition "Peki Ya Sonra" featured in the TRT documentary series "Sahibini Arayan Fotoğraflar" (2024). Uygar's current artistic focus centers on his innovative DJ × Mandolin performances, merging traditional mandolin techniques with electronic music genres including Organic House, Melodic Techno, and Ethnic Grooves. He also leads interactive mandolin workshops and offers private instruction both online and in-person, teaching styles ranging from Bluegrass and Rembetiko to Bossa Nova and Mediterranean music. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) and pursued graduate studies in Occupational Health and Safety, as well as doctoral research in Traffic and Transportation Psychology. Based in İzmir, Turkey, he continues to expand the boundaries of mandolin performance, bringing Mediterranean warmth and Anatolian soul to stages across the country.