‘Innocence’ at The Metropolitan Opera
Joyce DiDonato returns to The Metropolitan Opera on April 6, singing Waitress in The Met’s premiere of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s final opera, Innocence. Featuring a libretto by prominent Finnish author Sofi Oksanen and Aleksi Barrière, this impactful and timely work depicts the web of trauma left in the wake of a school shooting. Saariaho’s darkly beautiful score features a wide array of vocal styles, from traditional opera to expressionistic speak-singing to Scandinavian folk music.
DiDonato joins a fantastic ensemble cast in Simon Stone’s powerful original production, led by Maestro Susanna Mälkki, a close friend and collaborator of Saariaho. The cast features Finnish ethno-pop singer Vilma Jää as Markéta, with Jacquelyn Stucker as Bride, Kathleen Kim as Mother-In-Law, Miles Mykkanen as Bridegroom, Rod Gilfry as Father-In-Law, Stephen Milling as Priest, and Lucy Shelton as Teacher.