Presented in collaboration with Toronto’s Tapestry Opera—the country's leading producer of new opera—this dazzling contemporary opera tangos with the ethics of A.I.

Inspired by Karel Čapek’s 1920’s science-fiction play Rossum’s Universal Robots, which introduced the word “robot” to the English language, R.U.R. A Torrent of Light offers a look into the near future, where humanoid bots start to prioritize their own learning over their creators’ instructions. Tech mogul inventors Helena and Dom soon realize they’ve reached a turning point in the A.I. tech race. But is humanity ready?

With compositions by the highly innovative JUNO-nominated Nicole Lizée and a libretto by award-winning writer Nicolas Billon, the opera made its Dora Award-winning world premiere at Tapestry Opera in 2022. It was the first Canadian work to win the best new opera award from the Music Critics Association of North America. Four years since its world premiere, this workshop presents updates to the piece’s A.I. language, incorporates motion capture, and new sections of movement and choreography.

With its daring, electronic-infused score and its complex reflections on the risks of A.I., R.U.R. A Torrent of Light couldn’t be timelier.

Opera is generously supported by the David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund and the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists.

Program

Run time: 75 min

 After the workshop, audiences will get a short technical demonstration of the wearable sound and light technology the creative team has been tinkering with throughout the process.

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After each Jazz & Sonic Arts concert, follow the artists to CLVB ’33 for a free, informal jam.

These chill, spontaneity-filled evenings are structured like jazz itself: nothing is planned, and improvisation is king. It’s a casual, late-night atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration in the moment. Grab a drink, strike up a chat, and enjoy some freewheeling tunes.

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music. 

Please note that performing is limited to Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 program participants.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

After each Jazz & Sonic Arts concert, follow the artists to CLVB ’33 for a free, informal jam.

These chill, spontaneity-filled evenings are structured like jazz itself: nothing is planned, and improvisation is king. It’s a casual, late-night atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration in the moment. Grab a drink, strike up a chat, and enjoy some freewheeling tunes.

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music. 

Please note that performing is limited to Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 program participants.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

After each Jazz & Sonic Arts concert, follow the artists to CLVB ’33 for a free, informal jam.

These chill, spontaneity-filled evenings are structured like jazz itself: nothing is planned, and improvisation is king. It’s a casual, late-night atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration in the moment. Grab a drink, strike up a chat, and enjoy some freewheeling tunes.

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music. 

Please note that performing is limited to Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 program participants.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

After each Jazz & Sonic Arts concert, follow the artists to CLVB ’33 for a free, informal jam.

These chill, spontaneity-filled evenings are structured like jazz itself: nothing is planned, and improvisation is king. It’s a casual, late-night atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration in the moment. Grab a drink, strike up a chat, and enjoy some freewheeling tunes.

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music.

Please note that performing is limited to Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 program participants.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

After each Jazz & Sonic Arts concert, follow the artists to CLVB ’33 for a free, informal jam.

These chill, spontaneity-filled evenings are structured like jazz itself: nothing is planned, and improvisation is king. It’s a casual, late-night atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration in the moment. Grab a drink, strike up a chat, and enjoy some freewheeling tunes.

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music.

Please note that performing is limited to Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 program participants.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

Participants and faculty from this year’s Chamber Music residency perform intimate concerts celebrating the future of chamber music.  

Experience these blended faculty and participant concerts in two remarkable venues: the Rolston Recital Hall on campus, and St. George’s Anglican Church in town.

This two-week collaborative residency is aimed at classically trained musicians and composers committed to chamber music. With the guidance of world-class faculty, participants explore the rich history and contemporary evolution of chamber music, from classical compositions to bold new works, including pieces created in collaboration with participant composers.

Faculty includes the Parker Quartet (strings), Joel Brennan (trumpet), Lee Allen (trombone), Dai Fujikura (composer), Andrew Johnson (percussion), Nicolas Baldeyrou (clarinet), Olivier Doise (oboe), and Allie Su (piano).

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

Get Tickets 

Experience the next wave of jazz and sonic arts as residency participants take the stage, supported by—and performing alongside—acclaimed faculty.

Across five nights, virtuosity, curiosity, and experimentation fill the beautiful Margaret Greenham Theatre and the intimate Rolston Recital Hall.

Faculty include Kris Davis (piano), Ole Morten Vågan (double bass), Simon Barker (drums), Melissa Aldana (saxophone), Sissel Vera Pettersen (voice), Tomeka Reid (cello), Lorenzo Bianchi Hoesch (composer and sound artist), Amir ElSaffar (trumpet, santur, and voice), and Savannah Harris (drums).

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music.

After the concerts, extend the night by heading to CLVB ‘33 for a free, informal jazz jam.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

Get Tickets 

Experience the next wave of jazz and sonic arts as residency participants take the stage, supported by—and performing alongside—acclaimed faculty.

Across five nights, virtuosity, curiosity, and experimentation fill the beautiful Margaret Greenham Theatre and the intimate Rolston Recital Hall.

Faculty include Kris Davis (piano), Ole Morten Vågan (double bass), Simon Barker (drums), Melissa Aldana (saxophone), Sissel Vera Pettersen (voice), Tomeka Reid (cello), Lorenzo Bianchi Hoesch (composer and sound artist), Amir ElSaffar (trumpet, santur, and voice), and Savannah Harris (drums).

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music.

After the concerts, extend the night by heading to CLVB ‘33 for a free, informal jazz jam.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

Get Tickets 

Experience the next wave of jazz and sonic arts as residency participants take the stage, supported by—and performing alongside—acclaimed faculty.

Across five nights, virtuosity, curiosity, and experimentation fill the beautiful Margaret Greenham Theatre.

Faculty include Kris Davis (piano), Ole Morten Vågan (double bass), Simon Barker (drums), Melissa Aldana (saxophone), Sissel Vera Pettersen (voice), Tomeka Reid (cello), Lorenzo Bianchi Hoesch (composer and sound artist), Amir ElSaffar (trumpet, santur, and voice), and Savannah Harris (drums).

The two-and-a-half-week Jazz & Sonic Arts residency is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music.

After the concerts, extend the night by heading to CLVB ‘33 for a free, informal jazz jam.

Music is generously supported by the Alice and Betty Schultz Scholarships Endowment Fund for Dance and Music, the Maria Francisca Josepha Brouwer Scholarship Fund for Dutch Artists, and the Yolande Freeze Master Artists in Music Fund.

Get Tickets