The Metropolitan Opera Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence at Guggenheim New York

Image Courtesy of Works & Process

Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7PM

Works & Process and The Metropolitan Opera present a preview performance of Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence, set for Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7PM at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10128. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

Before late Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s final opera arrives at the Metropolitan Opera this spring, get an advance look at this powerful modern masterpiece. Exploring the wide web of trauma left in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, Innocence features a multilingual libretto by Sofi Oksanen and Aleksi Barrière and conjures an eerie, darkly beautiful sound-world to tell a heart-wrenching story. Ahead of the opera’s April 6 premiere, Met General Manager Peter Gelb moderates a discussion with the creative team, including conductor Susanna Mälkki, director Simon Stone, and librettists Sofi Oksanen and Aleksi Barrière. Soprano Jacquelyn Stucker, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, tenor Miles Mykkanen, and Finnish ethno-pop singer Vilma Jää perform highlights from the score.

Leadership support for this Works & Process program is provided by Eugene and Jean Stark.

Works & Process Lead Donors

Lead funding provided by Adam and Abigail Flatto, Christian Humann Foundation, Leon Levy Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Stephen Kroll Reidy, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Caroline M. Sharp, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation, The SHS Foundation, and Eugene and Jean Stark.

Additional support provided by Jody and John Arnhold, Jeff and Susan Campbell, Cate Caruso, Stuart H. Coleman and Meryl Rosofsky, Paul Cronson, Duke Dang and Charles E. Rosen, Lucy and Philip Dobrin, Elizabeth Sharp Edens and Wes Edens, The Fanwood Foundation, Bart Friedman and Wendy Stein, Agnes Gund, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Barbara Ritchin, Denise and Andrew Saul, and Randall Sharp.

Works & Process is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

About Works & Process

Championing performing artists and their creative process at each step from studio to stage, Works & Process produces fully funded residencies and presents events that go behind the scenes, blending artist discussion and performance highlights. Works & Process events transcend the proscenium, encouraging audiences to spectate and participate beyond the stage, and culminate in receptions in the Guggenheim rotunda to continue the conversation.

Works & Process produces over 25 creative residencies annually. Expanding from our bubble residency program created during the COVID-19 pandemic, Works & Process now has a network of over a dozen partners in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. In over 100 Works & Process residencies, supporting over 1,000 artists, incubated works have been recognized with awards and grants, and have toured nationally—and internationally with the U.S. State Department. These out-of-town residencies provide 24/7 studio access, on-site housing, access to health insurance enrollment, industry-leading artist fees, and a transportation stipend to facilitate uninterrupted creative process.

Beyond the Guggenheim, we also partner with organizations across New York, including 92NY and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division. During the summer, we curate and present free outdoor dance programs with Manhattan West and City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage.

Works and Process, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID: 13-3592291

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