A diptych of light and shadow: Kaija Saariaho reimagines Noh theatre in a work where voices, timbres and textures intertwine, brought to life by Peter Sellars’ meditative staging.

A leading figure in contemporary composition, Kaija Saariaho has created Only the Sound Remains, a diptych inspired by Japanese Noh theatre.
The encounter between the human and the supernatural unfolds against an ethereal musical backdrop, delicately playing upon the timbres and textures of an intimate instrumental ensemble and the striking contrast between the voices of countertenor Philippe Jaroussky and bass-baritone Davóne Tines.
Within a pictorial space conceived by the visual artist Julie Mehretu, Peter Sellars crafts a stylised and meditative production, composed of light and shadow, in which emotion arises from restraint and suggestion.
Kaija Saariaho
Only the Sound Remains (Swiss premiere)
Chamber opera for countertenor, bass-baritone, mixed choir, flute, percussion, kantele and string quartet
From 20 to 180 CHF (depending on seat location)
