Roomful of Teeth

Roomful of Teeth is an American vocal ensemble whose members are dedicated to reimagining the expressive potential of the human voice. Founded in 2009 by Brad Wells, the group has studied with some of the world's top performers and teachers of extended vocal techniques, such as yodel and overtone singing, in order to surpass the boundaries of what is expected in Western vocal music. The New Yorker has described Roomful of Teeth as 'a kind of lab experiment for what the human voice can do.'

In collaboration with numerous composers Roomful of Teeth has established a unique and extensive repertoire. Their debut album, Roomful of Teeth, won a Grammy award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Their next album, Render (2015), was nominated in the same category.

In Håkonshallen Roomful of Teeth perform Caroline Shaw's Partita for 8 Voices. Herself a mezzo-soprano in the ensemble, Caroline Shaw is also a composer, violinist and producer. She won the Pulitzer Prize for this work. The additional programme is curated in collaboration with this year's festival musicians and artist-in-residence Kronos Quartet, and consists of Vesper Sparrow by Festival composer 2021 Missy Mazzoli, as well as works by Peter Shin and William Brittelle from Roomful of Teeth's upcoming recording.

Roomful of Teeth also appear in the Closing Concert with a commissioned work by Caroline Shaw.

Photo: Ryan Scherb

Information

Show image gallery for Roomful of Teeth