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Opera Enthusiasts Rejoice: A Captivating Journey Through Des Moines Metro Opera's 2025 Season

Des Moines Metro Opera's 2025 season promises a spectacular journey through the world of opera, showcasing a diverse range of productions. From the haunting echoes of Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman' to the playful whims of Janáček's 'The Cunning Little Vixen', audiences will be immersed in evocative storytelling and musical mastery. With 'The Rake's Progress' by Stravinsky and the film adaptation of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips', the season is a testament to the timeless allure of opera. The 'Stars of Tomorrow' concert will spotlight emerging talent, promising an unforgettable experience for opera lovers.

Jul 8, 2025

1. The Flying Dutchman

From its stormy overture to climactic finale, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman lures you into its mysterious depths. The Dutchman, a ghostly sailor, is condemned to wander the waves for eternity. But every seventh year he disembarks to find a bride who can break his curse. In a small Norwegian fishing village, he fatefully encounters Senta, a young woman who is obsessed with the Dutchman’s legend. Can the power of love break the curse? How much must we sacrifice to bring about salvation?

Jun 27 - Jul 20, 2025

Des Moines Metro Opera

Indianola, IA · Simpson College

2. The Cunning Little Vixen

The tale of a quick-witted fox and her escape from confinement for a life in the forest is by turns joyful, witty, romantic and tragic. The Cunning Little Vixen follows the cycle of death and rebirth through the instinctive and immediate world of nature—animal and human, which Janáček loved so dearly. In this celebrated score, singers and orchestra embody the sounds of the forest, the feel of sunshine on your face and the thrill of a starlit sky.

Jun 28 - Jul 19, 2025

Des Moines Metro Opera

Indianola, IA · Simpson College

3. The Rake's Progress

Inspired by William Hogarth’s famous series of paintings, Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress charts one man’s path from pleasure to ruin. When the mysterious Nick Shadow appears, Tom Rakewell abandons his sweetheart, Anne Trulove, and leaves behind his country life for the temptations of the city. But London’s glittering promise soon dissolves as love, money and sanity slip farther and farther from his grasp. Can true love save him, or will the devil get the last laugh.

5 - 18 Jul, 2025

Des Moines Metro Opera

Indianola, IA · Simpson College

4. Goodbye, Mr. Chips

In partnership with Des Moines Film, Des Moines Metro Opera is excited to present two screenings of American composer Gordon Getty’s new opera, reimagined for film, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, as an add-on for festival season audiences. The screenings of Goodbye, Mr. Chips will be held in the beautifully restored Varsity Cinema in Des Moines.

12 - 18 Jul, 2025

Des Moines Metro Opera

Des Moines, IA · Varsity Cinema

5. Stars of Tomorrow

Discover opera’s rising stars at one unforgettable concert! The members of our Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program take the stage for one night only to perform opera’s greatest duets, trios and ensembles alongside DMMO's acclaimed festival orchestra.

Jul 19, 2025

Des Moines Metro Opera

Des Moines, IA · Drake University

Conclusion

Des Moines Metro Opera's 2025 season stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation. With each production, audiences are invited to explore profound narratives and witness stellar performances that breathe new life into timeless stories. From the haunting legends of 'The Flying Dutchman' to the vibrant tales of 'The Cunning Little Vixen', and the modern cinematic flair of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips', the season promises a diverse and enriching experience. As the curtains fall, the echoes of these performances will linger, reminding us of opera’s enduring power to move and inspire.

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