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“Robert Shaw — Man of Many Voices,” will be screened at East Hampton Library on December 11.
The Hamptons Festival of Music (TH·FM) invites audiences to celebrate the holidays with a free film screening, “Robert Shaw — Man of Many Voices,” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, at East Hampton Library.
This powerful documentary traces the improbable and tumultuous journey of the legendary American choral conductor Robert Shaw. A self-taught genius without formal musical training, Shaw would rise to be America’s most celebrated choral conductor, winning 16 Grammys and the first-ever classical Gold Record.
The film reveals how his groundbreaking leadership shaped the sound of modern American choral music, highlighting both the immense triumphs of his career and the personal demons that haunted him. It also explores his early championship of civil rights, as his integrated chorales were among the first to break the color barrier in the American South.
Following the film, attendees are invited to a special Q&A session led by TH·FM Artistic Director Michael Palmer with moderator David Brandenburg. Maestro Palmer’s own distinguished career began when Shaw personally invited him to serve as associate conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
“This film is an essential piece of music history, not just for musicians, but for anyone inspired by a powerful, complex story of passion and impact,” says Michael Yip, executive director of TH·FM. “Given Maestro Palmer’s personal connection to Robert Shaw, the post-screening Q&A offers a rare, intimate look into the life of a titan whose legacy is part of TH·FM’s own DNA.”
Donations will be accepted to support the Springs Food Pantry, TH·FM’s community partner. Admission is free, but reserve seats at easthamptonlibrary.org or Eventbrite. East Hampton Library is at 159 Main Street, East Hampton.
Staff Writer on Dec 8, 2025