The Pulitzer Power of Roomful of Teeth
Posted: 03/06/25
By Charlie Pingel
In October 2024, we welcomed the classical a cappella ensemble Chanticleer to Shannon Hall. Now, we invite you to experience a distinctly different side of the genre with the Grammy-winning, “vocal experimentation” a cappella group, Roomful of Teeth on April 9.
Brad Wells founded Roomful of Teeth in 2009 with the mission to “mine the expressive potential of the human voice.” Its repertoire draws from a range of global vocal traditions, incorporating everything from Tuvan and Inuit throat singing to classical, polyphonic folk, and more. The result? A sound that is unlike anything else, blending ancient traditions with a bold, modern vision for vocal music. Roomful of Teeth’s commitment to innovation extends to its collaborations with leading contemporary composers.
The above video, “Psychedelics: I. Deep Blue (You Beat Me),” is the first track from Roomful of Teeth’s 2023 album, “Rough Magic.” The album won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance and earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. This marked Roomful of Teeth’s second Grammy win, the first coming in 2014 for the group’s self-titled album, also winning Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance.
However, perhaps the most groundbreaking achievement for the ensemble came in 2013 when Caroline Shaw won the Pulitzer Prize in Music for the composition of Roomful of Teeth’s “Partita for 8 Voices,” making Shaw the youngest recipient of the award. The 25-minute piece blends speech, whispers, drones, and soaring harmonies and received high acclaim, with The Guardian describing it as “an explosion of energy cramming speech, song and virtually every extended vocal technique you can think of.”
Fans of contemporary classical music might recognize some familiar names in connection with Roomful of Teeth.
- Caroline Shaw performed at Shannon Hall alongside Sō Percussion for an in-person and virtual concert on Nov. 5, 2022, bringing her innovative compositions to our stage.
- Estelí Gomez, a soprano in Roomful of Teeth, is also an assistant professor of voice at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wis. She was featured in a Green Room Blog profile in July 2024.
Roomful of Teeth’s genre-defying sound is unlike anything else in the world of vocal music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of a cappella or new to the genre, this performance at Shannon Hall promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Its April 9 performance is part of the Classical Series: Encore, making it a limited-ticket event. Secure your spot before it sells out - get your tickets here!