Join us for the Mannes Opera 2025/2026 Season Opener -- the fully staged chamber version of Kaija Saariaho’s extraordinary oratorio, La Passion de Simone, with a libretto by Amin Maalouf.

One of the 21st century’s most influential female composers, Saariaho created a work of profound contemporary relevance, engaging with themes of war, human suffering, and the philosophical contemplation of "good."

Her oratorio examines the life and work of radical French philosopher Simone Weil in 15 stations; an iteration of the Christian mediation on the 14 Stations of the Cross. Through the compelling figure of Weil, this work examines the impossibility—and the necessity—of contemplating the vast scope of human suffering with unflinching eyes. This piece will be realized in a fully staged production led by conductor Micah Gleason in partnership with Mannes Opera's Emma Griffin as director.

Conductor - Micah Gleason

Director - Emma Griffin

Music Preparation - Cris Frisco

More information and tickets here.