Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion. (Photo Courtesy of The Majestic Theater)
By Ainsley Green, Staff Writer
Last month, critically acclaimed percussion ensemble Sō Percussion and long-time collaborator Caroline Shaw performed a concert in the Majestic Theater at 8 p.m. The event was open to the Gettysburg community and was a collaboration with Gettysburg College’s Sunderman Conservatory. The concert featured works by the ensemble and Shaw, along with Danni Lee. Lee and Shaw form their own music duo called Ringdown, resulting in a fascinating collaboration of experienced musicians with an inimitable style.
The Sunderman Conservatory hosted these artists in a multi-day residency through the Sunderman Chamber Music Foundation, founded in 1983 by F. William Sunderman as a means to promote community through music. Music students had the chance to interact with the guest artists in many capacities, from attending question and answer sessions to receiving a visit in one of their classes throughout the week. These events culminated in an unforgettable performance at the Majestic Theater, where Sō Percussion, Shaw and Lee brought their passion and expertise to life.
Shaw herself is a highly acclaimed composer and musician, being the youngest ever recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in Music. She has written and produced for many huge names in music, including Spanish pop artist Rosalía, Opera singer Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Kanye West, the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras and others. She has been involved in her fair share of composing for choirs, orchestras and chamber groups, in addition to her work on film and television soundtracks.
The show took on a theatrical quality, with stage decorations concealing a wide variety of percussion instruments, which were slowly revealed throughout the concert. The introduction of instruments from drums to flower pots to synthesizers created an expansive timbre of sound. The concert, entitled “Who Turns Out the Light,” was a staged performance of the 2024 album “Rectangles and Circumstance,” which featured songs such as “Sing On” and “To The Sky.”
Welcoming Sō Percussion and Caroline Shaw to the Majestic Theater helped to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the theater. The centennial season of 2025-2026 has and will continue to feature acclaimed and inspiring artists for the College and the community, allowing everyone to celebrate this historic landmark for the beloved performance space.
