Des Moines Metro Opera has announced the 40 singers selected for the 2026 Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program. The 2026 soprano roster includes Caitlin Aloia, Phoebe Chee, Emily Finke, Eliza Lucyna, Daniela Machado, Milan McCray, Zoë Meier-Juhlin, Sarah Rosales, Margaret Macaira Shannon, Adriana Stepien, Sara Stevens, and Gabriela Stoloff-Báez. Mezzo-sopranos selected for the program are Emily Amesquita, Christine {…}
(Photo Credit: Evan Zimmerman / Metropolitan Opera) Des Moines Metro Opera and the Des Moines Film have announced a partnership to present the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD presentations. The two companies will bring the Met: Live in HD series to the historic Varsity Cinema, beginning with Puccini’s “La Bohème” on Nov. 8, 2025. While Des Moines audiences have been {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) has announced a month-long broadcasting schedule in partnership with Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio. The initiative will allow audiences in Iowa and beyond to revisit performances from the company’s 2024 Festival Season, as well as its 2025 production of Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen.” As part of the company’s ongoing partnership with Iowa PBS, {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera is being accused of excessively long hours. A six-article report by the Des Moines Register reported that the company’s work practices featured long work hours and “grueling conditions.” According to the report, workers had 89.5-hour workweeks and 14-hour days. The company was also reported not give overtime pay to its workers, and staff were forced {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has announced an director change for its production of “Salome.” The company revelaed that Alison Pogorelc will direct the Strauss opera in lieu of Nathan Troup who withdrew from the production for personal reasons. “I’m thrilled that Alison will make her debut with us this season for our new production of ‘Salome,’” Michael Egel, the Linda {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced a cast change for Debussy’s “Pelléas & Mélisande.” The company said that baritone Edward Nelson will perform the role of Pelléas in all four performances, replacing John Moore who has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons. In a statement, Michael Egel, the Linda Koehn General & Artistic Director of Des Moines Metro {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced casting updates and an additional performance for the company’s 2024 Festival Season. The company noted that due to strong early ticket sales, there will be an additional performance of Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s world premiere opera, “American Apollo.” The added performance will occur on Friday, July 19 at the Blank Performing Arts {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera Announces its lineup for its 2024 festival. All productions will be performed in rotating repertory at the Pote Theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center in Indianola, Iowa. Each opera features English supertitles. The Des Moines Metro Opera Festival Orchestra will accompany all four productions. Starting things off is Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” starring baritone {…}
