Des Moines Metro Opera has unveiled its slate for the 2026 season.

First up is “Tosca” starring Laura Wilde, Brian Michael Moore, and Norman Garrett. David Neely directs the Joshua Borths production. The company has presented the Puccini classic in 1981, 1998, and, most recently, in 2009.

Performance Dates: June 26 – July 19, 2026

John Findon and John Moore headline “Of Mice and Men.” Christopher James Ray conducts, and Kristine McIntyre directs. The company last presented the opera in 1985. This production will be a co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Florida State University, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Performance Dates: June 27 – July 18, 2026

Completing the season is the company premiere of “King Roger.” The opera stars Christopher Sokolowski and Lydia Grindatto.

Performance Dates: July 4 – 17, 2026

“The 2026 Festival Season presents a wide-ranging repertory that continues our commitment to present operas new to our company while carving out a niche as champions of major pieces from the first half of the 20th century that are often well known, but not-yet-core standard works,” said Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director Michael Egel, per an official press release. “The season begins with a Puccini classic not seen here since 2009. We mark the 100th anniversary of the premiere of Polish composer Szymanowski’s ‘King Roger’ in a new production. Then we join the music world in honoring the centennial of Carlisle Floyd with one of his greatest works. Traversing wide-ranging musical and artistic ground, the 2026 season provides audiences a far-reaching story-telling experience with something for everyone.”

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