Opera

Innocence

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A landmark Met premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s final opera, Innocence blends memory, trauma, and fractured truth into a deeply affecting contemporary work.

Kaija Saariaho’s final opera blends varied vocal styles and languages into a striking portrait of grief and remembrance, performed by an exceptional ensemble.

Susanna Mälkki leads the Met premiere, continuing her long artistic partnership with Saariaho and shaping the opera’s layered contemporary sound world.

Simon Stone’s staging uses shifting spaces and overlapping timelines to show how buried memories surface, creating a clear, focused interpretation.

A limited New York engagement of a major contemporary work, this opera is premiering at the Metropolitan Opera House. Book your Innocence opera tickets now!

The story

On the day of a family wedding, an unexpected guest reopens the memory of a school shooting that took place a decade earlier. As past and present overlap, buried accounts come forward and silence begins to break. Innocence follows several families connected by the event, tracing how trauma endures, how truth shifts between perspectives, and how unresolved grief moves through a community.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Show details

Categories: Opera, Drama, Critics' choice

Audience: Suitable for all ages

Theater name: Metropolitan Opera House

Find the best seats in the house with the Metropolitan Opera House seating plan

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, cloakroom, restrooms, lounge, elevator

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets, accessible seats, ramps, assistive listening devices

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Jacquelyn Stucker as the Bride, Miles Mykkanen as the Bridegroom, Joyce DiDonato as the Waitress, Kathleen Kim as the Mother-in-Law, Rod Gilfry as the Father-in-Law, Stephen Milling as the Priest, Lucy Shelton as the Teacher, Vilma Jää as Markéta, Beate Mordal as Lily, Julie Hega as Iris, Simon Kluth as Anton, Camilo Delgado Díaz as Jerónimo, and Marina Dumont Anastassiadou as Alexia

Conductor: Susanna Mälkki

Composer: Kaija Saariaho

Librettists: Sofi Oksanen, Aleksi Barrière

Director: Simon Stone

Set designer: Chloe Lamford

Costume designer: Mel Page

Lighting designer: James Farncombe

Sound designer: Timo Kurkikangas

Choreographer: Arco Renz

Chorus director: Tilman Michael

Additional info

This show is suitable for all ages.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.

Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.

Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show

Frequently asked questions about Innocence

Q: How much do Innocence opera tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Innocence playing in New York?

A: The show is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 1 hour and 50 minutes, with no intermission.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: It examines how a wedding leads to the resurfacing of a school shooting that occurred ten years earlier, revealing buried testimonies and unresolved grief.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: The show is suitable for all ages, making it a great pick for families and opera fans alike.

Q: What languages are used in the opera?

A: Multiple languages are used to reflect the characters’ backgrounds. Met titles are available in English, Spanish, and German.

Q: Is Innocence based on real events?

A: The opera is not tied to one specific incident but is informed by contemporary discussions around school shootings and their long-term impact.

Q: Who conducts the Met premiere?

A: Susanna Mälkki conducts all New York performances.

Q: Why is this production significant?

A: It is Saariaho’s final opera and one of the most discussed contemporary works of the last decade.

Q: Does the staging include special effects?

A: Simon Stone’s production uses shifting rooms, live video, and layered design to create a fragmented memory landscape.

You will receive an email confirming your purchase.

You will receive your e-tickets via email within 3 hours from the time of the booking. You can access your tickets by clicking on the link available on the email.

If you book tickets more than 14 days in advance, you will receive the tickets 14 days prior to the show date.

The ticket can be presented digitally along with a valid photo ID at the entrance on the day of your visit.

Please note most of the theatres do not allow entry post the show start time and we recommend you reach the venue 10-15 minutes early.