Singer

**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.

EPSG:4326

American Apollo

Simpson College

A royal, Succession-like power struggle. Lust and death at every turn. A king who desires his wild and wilful step-daughter. Her erotic fascination with a condemned prophet. The result is a horrific trade. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play.

Salome

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

National Opera House

Berkshire Opera Festival presents an afternoon of arias and ensembles that span over 300 years of operatic composition.  In keeping with BOF's vision to explore the entire operatic repertoire, these selections represent a wide range of musical styles, and are sung by strong characters who each "broke the mold" in their own way.  BOF is proud to present a world-class slate of artists to perform this powerful music.



Breaking The Mold

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Join us for a captivating afternoon at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center as the Berkshire Opera Festival proudly presents "Breaking the Mold: Baroque, Bel Canto, and Beyond" on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm. This unique event showcases an exquisite selection of arias and ensembles that traverse over two centuries of operatic composition, highlighting strong characters who have each, in their own way, broken the mold.

Featuring a world-class lineup of artists, including soprano Jacqueline Piccolino, mezzo-soprano Megan Moore, tenor Alex McKissick, baritone Ethan Vincent, and pianist Travis Bloom, this performance promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the operatic repertoire. The concert, lasting approximately 2 hours with an intermission, will take place at the historic Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, located at 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Tickets are available at two pricing tiers: $60 for Reserved seating and $120 for Premium seating. Additionally, a limited number of concert-only tickets are offered at $20 for full-time students, teachers, and patrons under 30, making this event accessible to a broader audience. Premium ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to attend a post-show reception with the artists, where complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power and beauty of opera through the ages, performed by a stellar cast of artists. Secure your tickets now for "Breaking the Mold: Baroque, Bel Canto, and Beyond" and be part of a musical journey that celebrates the innovative spirit of opera.

Berkshire Opera Festival Presents: Breaking The Mold: Baroque, Bel Canto, And Beyond

Man-about-town Eisenstein is supposed to report to jail, his wife Rosalinde will stay home for the night and their maid Adele needs to visit a sick aunt. Yet all three turn up in disguise at Count Orlofsky’s masked ball. Mistaken identities and heavy flirting lead to a night of hilarity.

Alex McKissick

Tenor

Events

Upcoming events

1 - 23 Feb, 2025

Fledermaus · Irish National Opera

Past events

13 - 19 Jul, 2024

American Apollo · Des Moines Metro Opera

3 - 16 Mar, 2024

Salome · Irish National Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Narraboth in Salome by Strauss

Irish National Opera

Gabriel von Eisenstein in Fledermaus by Strauss

Irish National Opera

About

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