At the Olivier Awards held at London's Royal Albert Hall on April 16 2024 The Royal Opera were delighted to accept the Tait Award for Best New Opera Production for Innocence by Kaija Saariaho. Rosalind Plowright presented the award to Director of The Royal Opera Oliver Mears and Creative Director of Wise Music Group Gill Graham. Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours.
Oliver Mears said: “Innocence was one of the most shattering and moving evenings in the theatre, and a testament to the importance of commissioning new work, and how utterly distinctive it can be. We extend our congratulations and gratitude to the cast, creative team, Orchestra, Chorus, Royal Opera staff and our co-producers. Opera is a living, breathing art, with a rich heritage and exciting future that must be realised to ensure our future generations get the chance to feel and experience it as we have.”
Gill Graham said: “On behalf of the late Kaija Saariaho and all at Chester Music congratulations to The Royal Opera and its international partners for this wonderful production of Innocence. For all who saw it this work moved us – and that’s what art is for and that why we need to support and fund our artists, our composers and amazing opera companies to continue to make work that pushes at the edges. Congratulations also to Kaija and her creative partners on this journey: Sofi Oksanen, Aleksi Barrière, Director Simon Stone and the whole creative team."
Innocence is published by Chester Music, part of Wise Music Group.
For a full llist of winners see here.
