Innocence: Saariaho's final opera receives New York premiere

Joyce DiDonato (the Waitress) and Vilma Jää (Markéta)

Jacquelyn Stucker (the Bride) and Joyce DiDonato (the Waitress)

Kathleen Kim, Miles Mykkanen, Jacquelyn Stucker, Joyce DiDonato, Rod Gilfry and Stephen Milling

Innocence

Lucy Shelton (the Teacher)

By Kurt Gottschalk, 09 April 2026

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“Saariaho's score likewise seems to turn continuously... in an elongated line”

Reviewed at Lincoln Center: Metropolitan Opera House, New York City on 6 April 2026

Saariaho, Innocence

Metropolitan Opera

Susanna Mälkki, Conductor

Simon Stone, Director

Chloe Lamford, Set Designer

Mel Page, Costume Designer

James Farncombe, Lighting Designer

The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

The Metropolitan Opera Chorus

Timo Kurkikangas, Sound Design

Joyce DiDonato, Waitress

Jacquelyn Stucker, Bride

Miles Mykkanen, Groom

Rod Gilfry, Father-in-Law

Kathleen Kim, Mother-in-Law

Lucy Shelton, Teacher

Vilma Jää, Markéta (Student 1)

Stephen Milling, Priest

Beate Mordal, Lilly (Student 2)

Julie Hega, Iris (Student 3)

Simon Kluth, Anton (Student 4)

Camilo Delgado Diaz, Jerónimo (Student 5)

Marina Dumont, Alexia (Student 6)

Arco Renz, Choreography

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Kurt Gottschalk

Kurt Gottschalk is a journalist and author based in New York City. His writings on contemporary and classical music, jazz and improvisation have been published in outlets throughout Europe and America and he has two volumes of short fiction to his name. He produced and hosted the Miniature Minotaurs radio programme on WFMU and currently hosts Afternoon New Music on WKCR.

The unbearable darkness of Innocence: Saariaho's final opera receives New York premiere