Substance: The Infinite Spinoza

One-act opera for tenor, six-voice choir, chamber ensemble and electronics, 2026

The opera SUBSTANCE: The Infinite Spinoza is inspired by the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza and his conception of infinity. Spinoza established the concept of substance – an all-pervading essence that exists in itself as a manifestation of infinity independent of church dogmas or hierarchies. Because of his views, he came into conflict with older members of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, was accused of atheism, and subsequently excommunicated and exiled.

The work presents an immersive experience connecting philosophy, video, sound and music. The variable framework references Spinoza's profession as a lens grinder – the main scenographic motif is an imaginary lens through which we observe the infinitely small and infinitely large worlds. The same principle permeates the sound design: key words and phrases are magnified, decomposed, transformed into abstract textures and returned to concrete form – from simple matter to the infinite universe. – Elliott Sharp

- Conductor: Petr Kotík
- Choreography: Carolina Arandia
- Lighting design: Pavla Beranová
- Projections: Janene Higgins