NCSA Calendar

NCSA staff who would like to submit an item for the calendar can email newsdesk@ncsa.illinois.edu.

Quantum Illuminations

Apr 20, 2026   7:00 pm  
The Den Theatre
Image of space overlayed with Quantum Illuminations Celebrating a New Era in Quantum in Chicago
Sponsor
Grainger College of Engineering
Contact
Canaan Daniels
E-Mail
canaan@illinois.edu
Views
30
Originating Calendar
Grainger Engineering: Special Events Calendar

Quantum Illuminations

Join The Grainger College of Engineering for an exploration of the mystery and humanity within quantum physics. This evening unites the ground-breaking scientists, innovative academic leaders and forward-thinking industry executives who are propelling Chicago forward as the center of next generation computing.

Created by quantum scientists and artists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with Illinois partners, Quantum Illuminations is a communal celebration of the quantum realm in all its splendor, of what makes us who we are and of our place in the universe. Presented in two acts, Quantum Illuminations is a rich experience combining two performances: Quantum Voices and Quantum Rhapsodies.  The event features  music from the internationally renowned Jupiter String Quartet.

In Quantum Voices, hear quantum scientists share their personal adventures into exciting current frontier research. Arranged by Grainger Engineering Physics Professor Virginia Lorenz and set to lyrical music by U. of I. creative writing professor Amy Hassinger, this exploration imaginatively meanders through some of the most tantalizing concepts of quantum science, from entanglement to the heart of the atom. 

Steep in Quantum Rhapsodies, a multimedia performance exploring the foundational developments in quantum physics and the quantum mysteries that remain unanswered. Conceived and written by  Grainger Engineering Physics Professor Smitha Vishveshwara, this innovative production combines live narration, video imagery and chamber music to illuminate awe-inspiring ideas that shaped our modern understanding of light and matter.

Program

TimeActivity
6 p.m. Reception (invitation only)
7 p.m. Quantum Illuminations


link for robots only