Set Designer

Jealousy, two-timing, and revenge unite the back-to-back tragedies of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. Possessiveness, machismo, and rage fuel their bloody conclusions.

Cavalleria Rusticana: On Easter Sunday, Alfio discovers his wife Lola has rekindled her old romance with Turiddu.

Pagliacci: Just before a performance of his traveling circus troupe, clown Canio discovers the infidelity of his wife Nedda.

EPSG:4326

 Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

**American Apollo at Des Moines Metro Opera**

**World Premiere: July 13, 2024**

Des Moines Metro Opera proudly presents the full-length world premiere of "American Apollo," a groundbreaking opera that delves into the life of Thomas Eugene McKeller, a Black hotel worker whose story intertwines with that of renowned portraitist John Singer Sargent. This compelling narrative, brought to life by the talents of composer Damien Geter and librettist Lila Palmer, explores themes of erasure, the white gaze, and the complex relationship between McKeller and Sargent.

**Performance Schedule:**
- **July 13, 2024, at 8:00 PM** - SOLD OUT
- **July 18, 2024, at 7:30 PM**
- **July 19, 2024, at 1:00 PM** - Best availability

**Venue:** The Lauridsen Opera Center, Des Moines Metro Opera

**Language:** Sung in English with English supertitles

**Estimated Run Time:** 2 hours, 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission

**Cast Highlights:**
- **Justin Austin** as Thomas Eugene McKeller
- **William Burden** as John Singer Sargent (Company Debut)
- **Mary Dunleavy** as Isabella Stewart Gardner
- **Conducted by** David Neely, DMMO Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor
- **Directed by** Shaun Patrick Tubbs (Company Debut)

**About the Creators:**
- **Damien Geter**, an acclaimed composer known for blending classical music with elements from the Black diaspora, aims to further social justice through his music.
- **Lila Palmer**, a librettist celebrated for her warmth, clarity, and stylistic flexibility, bridges the gap between the world of the classically trained voice and creative storytelling.

**Tickets:** Available for purchase. For sold-out performances, fill out the Ticket Request Form or call 515-209-3257.

Join us for a mesmerizing evening at the Des Moines Metro Opera, where history, art, and the untold stories of America come to life through the powerful medium of opera. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world premiere of "American Apollo" – a testament to the enduring impact of art and the complexities of human relationships.

American Apollo

Simpson College

Experience the electrifying intensity of Richard Strauss's masterpiece, "Salome," brought to life by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This new production captures the sensational drama of Oscar Wilde’s play, featuring the princess Salome and her perilous obsession with the imprisoned prophet, John the Baptist. The story unfolds with music that is both colossal and dazzling, promising to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Making her anticipated role debut as Salome, soprano Sara Gartland leads a talented cast under the baton of DMMO Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor David Neely. Directed by Nathan Troup, this production showcases a blend of intense vocal performances and dramatic characterizations, set against Strauss's wildly imaginative orchestral palette.

Performances are scheduled for June 29 at 7:30pm, July 7 at 2:00pm, July 13 at 1:00pm, and July 19 at 8:00pm. Each performance offers a unique opportunity to experience Strauss's original contribution to the art form, nearly 120 years after its premiere, in a production that remains as musically shocking and astonishing as ever.

Sung in German with English supertitles, the opera has an estimated run time of 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission. This production marks a return of "Salome" to the DMMO stage, following its previous staging in 2002.

Join us for a night of unparalleled opera at the Des Moines Metro Opera, where "Salome" promises to be a highlight of the season. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable journey into the depths of desire, power, and destiny.

Salome

The Haberdasher Prince is a new opera for families. In a far-off land, a very musical king has a not-very-musical son. Everyone pretends to enjoy the prince’s terrible concerts, but a bold village girl refuses to play along. The king demands she be punished, but the prince shows mercy. Happily, the prince and the peasant girl devise an arrangement showcasing their true talents. All performances will be immediately followed by group discussions to foster personal and meaningful connections to the art.

The Haberdasher Prince

Lyric Opera of Kansas City

One of Giuseppe Verdi's lesser performed but passionately romantic dramas, Luisa Miller returns to Sarasota Opera after 25 years.  Luisa, the daughter of an old soldier, is in love with Carlo, who is really, Rodolfo, the son of the ruthless Count Walter.  The count's opposition to the couple's love leads to tragedy, in an opera filled with memorable arias and thrilling ensembles.

Luisa Miller

Sarasota Opera House

Deceit leads to murder and madness, in Donizetti's masterpiece, based on Sir Walter Scott's The Bride of Lammermoor.  To save his family's fortunes, Enrico Ashton has promised his sister Lucia's hand to a Scottish nobleman, instead of Edgardo, the man she loves, and a member of a rival family.  The ensuing drama is excitingly captured in Donizetti's beautifully romantic music, with many well-known operatic highlights including Lucia's famous mad scene.

Lucia di Lammermoor

Join Opera SB for the perfect Halloween Double Bill! In De Falla’s El Amor Brujo, Candela is haunted by her late husband’s ghost as she tries to move on from her past obsession, and find love with the young Carmelo. This flamenco opera ballet will feature Santa Barbara native, Nina Yoshida Nelsen (Fricka, Das Rheingold ’21), and dancers from State Street Ballet.  Broken dreams, a fateful love affair, and a murder onboard a barge on the seine are accompanied by a haunting score in Puccini’s taut 60’ operatic thriller. Opera Santa Barbara favorites Todd Thomas (Falstaff, ’14) and Harold Meers (Pinkerton, Madama Butterfly ’19) return with director Layna Chianakas, making her mainstage directorial debut with Opera SB in this thrilling double bill. Soprano Alaysha Fox will be making her Opera SB debut in the role of Giorgetta. Scenic designer Steven C. Kemp (Crucible, Eugene Onegin) returns and Maestro Kostis Protopapas takes up the baton.

Il Tabarro/El Amor Brujo

Lobero Theatre

A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife’s infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife’s transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.

Stiffelio

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?

Steven C. Kemp

Set Designer

Events

Upcoming events

15 - 20 Mar, 2025

Stiffelio · Sarasota Opera

Jun 27 - Jul 20, 2025

The Flying Dutchman · Des Moines Metro Opera

Past events

9 - 17 Nov, 2024

Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci · Pittsburgh Opera

13 - 19 Jul, 2024

American Apollo · Des Moines Metro Opera

About

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