In addition to announcing its 2025 season, Des Moines Metro Opera announced some major contract extensions and partnerships.

First up, the organization extended Music Director and Principal Conductor David Neely through 2028.

“David has served as the Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor since 2012. In this role he has overseen and built one of the finest opera orchestras in America today,” said Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director Michael Egel in an official press release. “Our recent festival seasons have included some of the most challenging works in the repertory, yet David and our exceptional musicians continue to achieve astounding success.”

But the company also revealed that starting in 2025, directors Kristine McIntyre and Chas Rader-Shieber will become Artistic Partners. In this new capacity the two will each direct one new production per season and advise on a wide range of creative decisions with the festival.

“As Des Moines Metro Opera takes its place as one of America’s leading summer opera festivals, these appointments recognize the roles these individuals have played in our success and extend our planning horizon over several years,” Egel added. “As the company looks to the future of the Blank Performing Arts Center theatre, their input will help in envisioning important next steps.” Additional guest conductors and directors will also continue to be engaged each season to complement the efforts of these individuals and the entire artistic staff.”