This spring, the Metropolitan Opera presents the company premiere of Innocence, the final opera by late Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, conducted by Susanna Mälkki and directed by Simon Stone.
Opening on 6 April 2026, the production brings one of the most critically acclaimed contemporary operas of the 21st century to the Met stage for the first time.
Set during a wedding in Helsinki, ten years after a shooting at an international school, the plot unfolds as the celebrants realise they can’t escape their connection to the traumatic past event. Innocence is an exploration of the complexities of collective guilt and responsibility in a society that has lost its bearings.
The cast is led by mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as the Waitress and Finnish ethno-pop singer Vilma Jää — in her Met debut — as her daughter, Markéta. Soprano Lucy Shelton makes her Met debut at age 82 as the Teacher, soprano Jacquelyn Stucker is the Bride, and tenor Miles Mykkanen is the Bridegroom at the fateful wedding.
Soprano Kathleen Kim takes on the role of the Mother-in-Law, baritone Rod Gilfry is the Father-in-Law, and bass Stephen Milling is the Priest.
These performances mark several company debuts, including for soprano Beate Mordal as Lily, contralto Julie Hega as Iris, tenor Camilo Delgado Díaz as Jerónimo, actor Marina Dumont Anastassiadou as Alexia, and actor Simon Kluth as Anton.
Following his successful debut with a new production of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor in 2022, Stone returns to the Met with his original production that debuted to great acclaim at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence in 2021. The rotating two-story structure, designed by Chloe Lamford, transforms between the present and the past.
The creative team also features costume designer Mel Page, sound designer Timo Kurkikangas, choreographer Arco Renz, and lighting designer James Farncombe.
Discover the best in Arts, Culture, Travel, Leisure, and Lifestyle news and reviews at The Arts Shelf. Enjoy reading about your favourite topics? Whether you love Movies, Theatre, Opera, Books, Travel, Video Games, Art and Exhibitions, Music, Ballet and Dance, Days Out, Events, Competitions, Gadgets or Collectibles, we have something for you. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Sign Up to the Mailing List. That way, you’ll never miss the latest updates, reviews, and exclusive content.
