The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced its 2025 Festival Season.

“The 2025 Festival Season builds on the company’s reputation for curating a daring collection of works. These three fascinating pieces—legends, myths and parables—are drawn from far-flung corners of the operatic repertory and each elevates the intrinsic appeal of the other in beautiful ways,” said  Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director, Michael Egel. “The long-awaited return of Richard Wagner to our stage, Stravinsky’s uniquely singular masterpiece, and the company premiere of Janáček’s breathtaking tale of the animal and human worlds are all causes for celebration. Combined with stunning designs and remarkable casts, this will be a not-to-be-missed season.”

Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” will be conducted by David Neely and will star Ryan McKinny, Julie Adams, Joseph Dennis, Kristopher Irmiter, and Stephanie Sanchez,. Joshua Borths directs. 

Performance Dates: June 27-July 20, 2025

Leoš Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen” will be directed by Kristine McIntyre and David Neely will conduct. Hera Hyesang Park, Sun-Ly Pierce, Jill Grove, Roland Wood, David Cangelosi, and Craig Colclough star.

Performance Dates: June 28-July 19, 2025

Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress” concludes the season with Jonas Hacker, Joélle Harvey, Sam Carl, Vivica Genaux, Meredith Arwady, Jonas Hacker, Matt Boehler, and Christian Sanders leading the cast in a new production by Chas Rader-Shieber. Christopher Allen conducts.

Performance Dates: July 5-18, 2025