What do you think you would hear in a roomful of teeth? 

The a cappella vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth is dedicated to “reimagining the expressive potential of the human voice” and it exploits vocal techniques such as throat singing, yodelling and hocketing.

The ensemble is also known for its collaboration with contemporary composers, and its 2026 Australian program, launched in Melbourne, includes five Australian premieres.  

Roomful of Teeth. Photo supplied

From the moment singer Estelí Gomez lets forth the first, arresting birdcall in Missy Mazzoli’s Vesper Sparrow, the audience is in thrall with this captivating performance. 

To the uninitiated, the second item, On stochastic wave behaviour, seems out of place … at least until co-artistic director Cameron Beauchamp explains how an expert on wave formation on Irish boulder beaches collaborated with a Hawaiian composer – Leilehua Lanxilottie – to amplify public awareness of wave behaviour. 

The result is a highly textured soundscape. Under a vibrant solo line, beautifully delivered by Virginia Kelsey, the ensemble – joined towards the end by the audience – variously hums, murmurs and breathes to evoke the beach’s calm and turbulent waters. By the...