Following the great success of Transcendence and the continued interest in innovative forms of opera, composer Denovaire presents his latest work: Polycronia – opera cybera. This avant-garde music project continues the exploration of new narrative and sonic dimensions, relocating opera into the digital realm.

Polycronia is available both via web player and as an app download, offering an immersive experience that merges classical operatic traditions with cutting-edge technology. The story unfolds through multiple characters, performed by renowned singers. The music combines contemporary orchestral sounds with electronic elements, creating a unique sonic landscape.

At the core of Polycronia lies the tension between totalitarianism and heroism, reflected through the lenses of artificial intelligence and governance. The narrative follows heroes who must assert themselves within an authoritarian system while traveling through multiple universes—across alternate realities and divergent solutions. Themes such as transhumanism, swarm intelligence, artificial intelligence, total control, and the use of devastating weapons take center stage. The work raises fundamental questions about the distinction between biological and artificial life, the conflict between scientific ethics and elitism, and the possibilities of utopian and dystopian futures.

As two of the main characters are AIs, their contrasting political orientations are brought to light: on one side, a totalitarian regime that suppresses individuality but has eradicated hunger and war; on the other, a highly individualistic entity with democratic and enlightened ideals. These two are not merely opposed—they are bound to one another. Following the principle of “polychronos”—the coexistence of multiple times—the conflict is split into five narrative threads, opening a field of possibilities.

Musically, Polycronia presents itself as a captivating spectacle with pop-cultural overtones. Stylistically, it intertwines influences from comic strips, science fiction, and cyberpunk with experimental and progressive soundscapes. Inspired by film music, avant-garde orchestral works, heavy metal, and electronic music, it creates an intense and singular listening experience. The texts, written by the composer, include quotations from Kleist’s Penthesilea.

Performing Artists:
• Irina Karamarkovic
• Felix Heuser
• Claudia Cervenca
• Martin Brachvogel
• Denovaire

Concept, libretto, and composition: Denovaire

Supported by: GKP – Styrian Society for Cultural Policy, BMWKMS, Province of Styria, and the City of Graz and the avl Cultural Foundation.

Polycronia sets new standards for digital opera and demonstrates that the classical art form can evolve into the future through innovation and technological integration. Experience an opera that transcends boundaries and opens new horizons!

The first digital opera can be found here: Transcendence