English
English
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DURATION
1 hr 50 min with no interval
CLOSING DATE
Until April 29, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for all ages
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch Innocence?
- Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence in New York uses mixed vocal styles and a layered structure to examine how violence reshapes families and communities.
- Director Simon Stone stages the opera with cinematic precision, supported by Chloe Lamford’s revolving set and Timo Kurkikangas’s immersive sound design.
- Joyce DiDonato, Jacquelyn Stucker, Miles Mykkanen, and Vilma Jää anchor the ensemble, conducted by Susanna Mälkki, a longtime Saariaho collaborator.
- This Met premiere brings a "completely exhilarating" (The New York) experience. Book Innocence opera tickets now for this limited run.
Innocence in New York is Kaija Saariaho’s final opera, written with librettist Sofi Oksanen and dramaturg Aleksi Barrière. Its narrative spans two timelines connected by the aftermath of a school shooting. Saariaho’s music blends operatic writing with folk influences, speech-based rhythms, and atmospheric textures that mirror fractured memory. Stone’s production uses shifting rooms and fluid staging to reveal characters’ perspectives, allowing the story to unfold like a recollection rather than a chronology. The result is a work that examines silence, responsibility, and the long reach of unresolved trauma. The opera’s multilingual libretto reinforces its fragmented emotional landscape, aligning text and music with lived experience rather than linear storytelling.
Storyline
A wedding celebration unravels when a buried secret resurfaces: the groom’s family was tied to a school shooting ten years earlier. As survivors and relatives confront one another, memories collide with the present. The opera moves between the day of the tragedy and the wedding, revealing how grief, guilt, and denial shaped each life. Through intersecting testimonies, Innocence asks whether forgiveness is possible and whether truth can ever repair what violence has broken.
Show timings
Show timings for Innocence may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
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
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- The show is suitable for all ages.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Metropolitan Opera House Read more
The Metropolitan Opera House is a legendary New York venue renowned for its grand architecture and world-class acoustics. Located at Lincoln Center, it’s hosted everything from classic operas to groundbreaking live performances, making it a cultural landmark in the city. The venue’s opulent interiors, sweeping staircases, and iconic chandeliers create a sense of occasion for every event. Over the years, it has welcomed legendary performers and innovative productions, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for the arts.
The Metropolitan Opera House seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Tube: The nearest subway station is 66th Street–Lincoln Center (1 train), just steps from the venue.
- Bus: M5, M7, M11, M66, and M104 buses serve the Lincoln Center area.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Bar, restaurant, cloakroom, restrooms, lounge, elevator
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets, accessible seats, ramps, assistive listening devices
Additional information
- 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.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
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Frequently asked questions about Innocence
What age is Innocence in New York appropriate for?
The opera does not have a strict age limit. It is suitable for all ages.
Where is the opera playing in New York?
The show is playing at he Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
What is Innocence about?
It follows two timelines linked by a school shooting, revealing how families, survivors, and witnesses carry long-term emotional fallout.
How long does the opera run for?
The running time is 1 hour 50 minutes with no intermission(s).
Who are the main stars of the opera?
The main stars of the show are 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.
Is the opera sung in one language?
No. It uses multiple languages to reflect the cultural diversity of the characters. Met Titles are offered in English, Spanish, and German.
What musical style does Saariaho use?
The score blends traditional operatic writing with spoken rhythms, folk influences, and atmospheric orchestral textures.
Is this the first Met production of Innocence?
Yes. This staging marks its Metropolitan Opera premiere.
Is the opera appropriate for newcomers?
Yes, though the subject matter is intense. Its structure and staging offer clear storytelling for first-time opera audiences.
What themes does the opera explore?
Trauma, guilt, accountability, family dynamics, collective memory, and the impact of silence.