Des Moines Opera has announced the commission of an expanded version of Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s opera “American Apollo.” Originally commissioned by Washington National Opera for its 2020-21 season, the full-length work will see its world premiere in 2024, where it will be presented in partnership with Pyramid Theatre Company and the Des Moines Art Center. The opera centers {…}
Nix and Virginia Lauridsen donated $2 million to the Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation, in support of the company’s production “The Magic Flute.” “This is no ordinary ‘Magic Flute’ and Nix and Virginia Lauridsen are visionary philanthropists, transforming our region through leadership support. They understand the value of a vibrant Arts and Culture sector to our community,” said Michael Egel, {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has received a generous gift from Frank R. Brownell III worth $1 million. The gift was received in support of the opera company’s Apprentice Artist Program for young singers. Notable alumni of the program, which was started in 1975, include Hei-Kyung Hong, Marquita Lister, John Osborn, Kyle Ketelson, Raymond Aceto, Daniela Mack, Brian Jagde, Dmitri Pittas, {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has announced that it will world premiere “A Thousand Acres,” an opera by composer Kristin Kuster and librettist Mark Campbell. The opera will be premiered on July 9, 2022, and will be made possible thanks to a $1.5 million gift from Linda and Tom Koehn. “We are honored to represent the breadth of support for Des {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced its 2021 summer festival which will run between July 2 and 25. The company announced that its new season was developed in conjunction with the Medical Advisory Panel and that all 225 company members completed a COVID-19 vaccination series prior to their arrival for the festival. Additionally, all audience members will be required {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has unveiled that its own Virtual Opera Curriculum to teachers, parents, and schools around the country free of charge. The program, an online music education series, teaches students the basics of opera and culminates with a professional, filmed performance of the children’s opera “Rusalka: The Little Mermaid,” which is adapted from Dvorak’s iconic “Rusalka.” “Rusalka: The {…}
Star of opera and Broadway, Zachary James, will tread the virtual boards when Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) presents “Zachary James on Broadway” on March 19 at 7:30 P.M. CST. James will perform his award-winning one-man show with Broadway pianist Charity Wicks as a continuation of DMMO’s Virtual Concert Series The program includes popular Broadway numbers mixed with stories from {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has announced its inaugural virtual holiday program “Merry & Bright Holiday Concert,” which is set for Dec. 18, 2020. The online program will feature performances from such artists as tenor Jonathan Burton, mezzo-soprano Joyce Castle, tenor Joseph Dennis, soprano Sara Gartland, bass Zachary James, soprano Alexandra LoBianco, soprano Zulimar López-Hernández, mezzo-soprano Megan Marino, baritone Michael Mayes, {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera has announced the programming for their 2021 Summer Festival, set to run from July 2 through July 25. The lineup includes three new productions of opera and musical theatre. Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” is set to be led by Principal Conductor and Music Director David Neely and stage director Kristine McIntyre. The cast features baritone Zachary Nelson {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced a Virtual Festival. After the company announced it was canceling the 2020 edition due to the coronavirus pandemic, Des Moines Metro Opera revealed that it would show performances from previous festivals. The virtual festival kicks off with Massenet’s “Manon” starring Sydney Mancasola in the title role, Joseph Dennis, and Michael Adams. David Neely {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera recently presented “Bon Appétit,” but those who missed on the July , 18, 19 and 21 performance can still check out the unique work via a couple of streaming options. The Iowa Public Television presented an exclusive live stream of the opera by Lee Hoiby, which can be viewed below. The live stream took place {…}