Part One: On Humanity, Amidst Machines

About This Concert:

As Ember’s introduction to a five-concert series looking at life in a world increasingly impacted by Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), “On Humanity, Amidst Machines” takes a long view, as informed by history.

The centerpiece composition, Andrea Clearfield’s groundbreaking cantata, Beyond the Binary, looks at initial human reaction to the introduction of robots, just over a century ago.  

Given a context of increasing machine capability with tasks previously the exclusive purview of human beings, there is much to celebrate (in terms of labor-saving devices), and more than a little cause for concern.  With A.I., concern can extend even into the realm of human ethics*.

As always, Ember seeks to present concert events that not only present a high-quality, unusual artistic experience, and enjoyable entertainment, but that also serve as a catalyst for creative, expansive consideration of timely subject matter.  

In “On Humanity, Amidst Machine,” Ember looks at human reception to machines historically, celebrates the possibilities inherent in increasing machine capacity, and honors human essence that can never become inanimate.  

 *one example of which is seen in the contract negotiations between the Writers’ Guild of America and production studios.