Finnish Folk Singer Brings Unique Sounds to Met Opera's 'Innocence'

Vilma Jää's herding calls and mocking songs add authentic cultural elements to acclaimed new production.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract composition of jagged black silhouettes and bold geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and gold, conceptually representing the blending of traditional Finnish folk music and modern opera.Vilma Jää's traditional Finnish folk music elements add a unique cultural voice to the Metropolitan Opera's production of the acclaimed contemporary opera 'Innocence'.NYC Today

Vilma Jää, a Finnish folk singer, has taken on a major role in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Kaija Saariaho's acclaimed new opera 'Innocence'. Jää, who studied traditional Finnish folk music at the Sibelius Academy, was brought in by the composer to incorporate authentic herding calls and mocking songs into the opera, adding unique cultural elements to the performance.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Jää's traditional Finnish folk music in 'Innocence' helps bring a sense of cultural authenticity and regional flair to the Met Opera's staging of this 21st century work. Saariaho, Finland's leading opera composer, specifically sought out Jää's expertise to ensure the opera's musical landscape accurately reflected its Nordic setting and themes.

The details

Jää, who had not expected her folk music studies to lead to a major opera role, said she was excited to collaborate with Saariaho on 'Innocence'. The composer wanted one of the opera's characters to sing in Jää's style, incorporating traditional herding calls and mocking songs that are integral to Finnish folk music traditions.

  • Vilma Jää enrolled at the Sibelius Academy to study folk music.
  • Kaija Saariaho began working on her opera 'Innocence' and wanted to include Finnish folk elements.

The players

Vilma Jää

A Finnish folk singer who studied traditional music at the Sibelius Academy and was brought in by composer Kaija Saariaho to incorporate authentic herding calls and mocking songs into the Metropolitan Opera's production of 'Innocence'.

Kaija Saariaho

Finland's leading opera composer, who is the creator of the acclaimed 21st century opera 'Innocence' and specifically sought out Vilma Jää's expertise in Finnish folk music to add cultural authenticity to the production.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I said yes, that's cool,”

— Vilma Jää, Finnish Folk Singer

The takeaway

Vilma Jää's involvement in the Met Opera's 'Innocence' production demonstrates how incorporating authentic regional musical elements can enhance the cultural relevance and artistic integrity of contemporary classical works, especially those exploring themes rooted in specific cultural traditions.