OLLI Road Trip to the San Francisco Opera

On Sunday, June 16, OLLI members went for a matinee performance of Innocence at the San Francisco Opera, and what a splendid day it was! Before diving into the depths of this modern opera, we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Hayes Street Grill. Adding to the excitement, we were joined by Michael Bragg from the San Francisco Opera team, who shared fascinating insights into the production and the world of opera.

Composed by renowned Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, Innocence is a modern opera which explores the need for honesty in the recovery from a trauma. Set at a family celebration years after a tragic mass shooting in Helsinki, Innocence is a beautiful exploration of the scars we all carry within us, while emphasizing a positive, loving message about the humanity we all share. The work was co-commissioned by multiple opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera. The world premiere debut in Aix-en-Provence took place in 2021. Kaija Saariaho was ranked as the world’s greatest living composer in a 2019 composers’ poll by BBC Music Magazine.

Our day at the San Francisco Opera was an enriching experience, providing not only a glimpse into the world of modern opera but also a deeper understanding of the complexities of human emotions and resilience. Don't miss our upcoming day and overnight trips! Join our mailing list for alerts by emailing OLLI@ucdavis.edu.