Zachary James, Megan Marino, Michael Mayes Headline Des Moines Metro Opera’s ‘Merry & Bright Holiday Concert’

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, {…}

Oct 17, 2020

Des Moines Metro Opera Unveils 2021 Summer Festival Lineup

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 {…}

Apr 28, 2020

Zachary James, Sydney Mancasola & Laura Wilde Highlight Des Moines Metro Opera’s Virtual Festival

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 {…}

Jul 23, 2019

Watch Des Moines Metro Opera’s ‘Bon Appétit’ Live Stream

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 {…}

Jul 8, 2019

Des Moines Metro Opera Announces 2020 Season

The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced its 2020 season. The 48th season will showcase three main stage operas and two-second stage series. Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” will open the festival followed by Rameau’s “Platée.” The third and final opera will be Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades.” In the second stage series Poulenc’s “La Voix Humaine” will open the series followed {…}

Jul 5, 2019

Michael Mayes, Amanda Woodbury Among Stars Of Top 5 Operas To See This Weekend (North America)

Festival season is in full swing and this weekend’s major offerings come from some of the most exciting summer festivals in North America. Here are our top five offerings (in alphabetical order by company). Madama Butterfly – Central City Opera The famed Puccini masterpiece opens on Saturday with Raquel González, Annie Rosen, Cody Austin, Troy Cook, and Joseph Gaines. Adam {…}

Jun 28, 2019

‘The Constitution,’ ‘Figaro 90210!’ Headline Top 5 Operas To See This Weekend

The assortment of works on offer this weekend features a look at the United State’s most important document, a classic Shakespeare tale, a classic Bernstein work, a unique zarzuela, and a fascinating take on “The Greatest Opera of All Time.” Figaro 90210! – Chautauqua Opera Eric Einhorn directs this iconic adaptation of the famed opera. Jorge Parodi conducts a production {…}

Nov 16, 2018

Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – North America (11/16-18)

As we get ready for Thanksgiving, we can look around and be thankful for all the opera options in North America. Here’s a look at what you can check out before you start to think about your Thanksgiving feast. Poppea – Bare Opera It might be a reduced version of Monteverdi’s masterpiece, but it remains a vital piece of work {…}

Oct 10, 2018

Des Moines Metro Opera Receives 2018 Upper Midwest Emmy

Iowa Public Television’s broadcast of “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Billy Budd” has won the 2018 Upper Midwest Emmy in the Arts/Entertainment Program division. The 2018 Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Gala and awards ceremony was held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, with the team of creators Judy Blank, Andrea Coyle, Chad Aubrey, Jim Leasure, David Feingold, Kevin Rivers, Neal Kyer, Rick {…}

Sep 5, 2018

Des Moines Metro Opera Announces Unique Collaboration For ‘Glory Denied’ Production

The Des Moines Metro Opera is set to collaborate with the Iowa National Guard and Camp Dodge for a series of performances of “Glory Denied.” The production, which takes place on Nov. 16, 17, and 18, will be fully produced at Camp Dodge with the Iowa National Guard providing consulting to the creative teams needs. “The Iowa National Guard is {…}

Jun 29, 2018

Top 4 Operas To See This Weekend – North America (6/29-7/1): ‘Flight’ & Other Rare Operas Dominate Weekend

While the summer is in full swing, there aren’t all that many companies in production at the present moment. That said, there are still a plethora of solid offerings. Here’s a look at our top picks, in alphabetical order by company. Rocking Horse Winner / Vinkensport or The Finch Opera – Opera Saratoga This unique double bill features music by {…}

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