University at Buffalo to welcome Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth

By the University at Buffalo Department of Music

The University at Buffalo Department of Music is proud to present Roomful of Teeth, the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble dedicated to reimagining the expressive capabilities of the human voice, in performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall.

Roomful of Teeth stands at the forefront of contemporary vocal music, known for pushing the boundaries of what vocal performance can be. Described as a vocal band rather than a traditional choir, the ensemble brings bold musical imagination to life through an extraordinary array of sounds combining techniques drawn from cultures across the globe and newly forged compositional voices.

Founded in 2009 and incubated at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), Roomful of Teeth was created with a singular mission: To explore the widest expressive potential of the human voice, collaborating with artists, thinkers and teachers from around the world to continuously expand its sonic vocabulary.

Their distinctive artistry has earned them multiple Grammy Awards. Notably, their self-titled debut album won the Grammy for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance, and their most recent recording, “Rough Magic” (New Amsterdam Records), also received Grammy honors for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance in 2024.

Roomful of Teeth’s performances defy simple categorization, blending Western classical traditions with a wide spectrum of vocal techniques – from belting and yodeling to Tuvan throat singing and beyond – to create immersive sound worlds that are both riveting and profound.

Audiences can expect an evening of adventurous sonic exploration and deep musical engagement as Roomful of Teeth presents a program of contemporary works that showcase both their virtuosic skill and boundary-defying creativity. For more information, visit roomfulofteeth.org.

Tickets are $20 general admission (free for students). Advance tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com/university-at-buffalo-slee-hall-lippes-tickets-buffalo/venue/1574. Tickets can also be purchased at the Center for the Arts box office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; or at the Slee Hall box office within the hour before concert time. UB students with a valid ID are entitled to one complimentary ticket for each UB music department concert, and may pick up their complimentary ticket before concert time.