Join us for an enchanting evening at the Apprentice Spotlight Concert, presented by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This special event takes place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Blank Performing Arts Center lobby, located at 513 North D St, Indianola, IA 50125.

This concert marks the exciting kickoff of the 2024 Festival Season, featuring the talented ensemble of the Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program. The evening will showcase the 35 members of the program, each performing their signature aria. It's a unique opportunity to get to know these rising stars of opera as they share their artistry with an appreciative audience.

The Apprentice Spotlight Concert is a celebration of the future of opera, offering a glimpse into the passion and dedication of its performers. This event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect outing for opera aficionados and newcomers alike.

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the talents of tomorrow's opera stars. Mark your calendar and join us for a memorable night of music and discovery.

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Apprentice Spotlight Concert

Simpson College

Join us for a delightful evening of camaraderie and culinary delights at the Indianola Guild: AAP Welcome Potluck, hosted by the Indianola Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild. This special event is dedicated to welcoming the new cohort of the 2024 Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program. 

**Date and Time:** June 3, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

**Location:** Indianola, details to be announced.

Gather with fellow opera enthusiasts and supporters to kick off an exciting season and meet the talented apprentice artists who will be enriching our community with their performances. This potluck dinner is a wonderful opportunity to show your support, mingle with like-minded individuals, and enjoy an assortment of dishes in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Don't miss this unique event that celebrates the future of opera and the vibrant community that supports it. Mark your calendar and prepare your favorite dish to share!

For more information and to add this event to your calendar, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming you to this special gathering!

Indianola Guild: Aap Welcome Potluck

Warren County Conservation Board

Join us for a magical morning of music and family fun at the "Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure" hosted by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This enchanting event is scheduled for June 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, promising a unique blend of entertainment and education that opera lovers of all ages will cherish.

The Indianola Chapter of the Opera Guild invites you and your family to dive into the captivating world of opera with a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek at live theater. This is a rare opportunity to learn more about the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into producing an opera, making it an ideal outing for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Whether you're looking to ignite a passion for opera in your children or simply enjoy a delightful morning filled with beautiful music and engaging activities, the "Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure" is the perfect event. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the heart of opera with the Des Moines Metro Opera.

Mark your calendars and add this event to your schedule. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable adventure with you and your family!

Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Opera Gala hosted by the Des Moines Metro Opera, marking the grand opening of our 51st Festival Season. This elegant affair is set to take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the iconic American Enterprise Group headquarters, a landmark building at 601 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, celebrated for its architectural significance and rich history.

The evening will commence at 5:30 PM with a cocktail hour, offering a selection of hors d'oeuvres, setting the stage for a night of sophistication and celebration. At 6:30 PM, guests will be treated to a plated dinner accompanied by a special program featuring performances by DMMO's principal artists, showcasing the exceptional talent that the Des Moines Metro Opera harbors.

As the night progresses, the Gala Afterglow Party will kick off at 8:30 PM, promising a vibrant conclusion to the evening. This afterparty will include a hosted bar, complimentary valet parking, and a selection of coffee and desserts, ensuring a delightful end to the festivities.

The venue, the American Enterprise Group's national headquarters, is not just a building but a piece of architectural art designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1965. It has been recognized with multiple awards for its architectural excellence and houses an impressive art collection, making it the perfect backdrop for an event celebrating art and culture.

Ticket options for the Gala include a Gala Table Sponsor Package for a table of 10 at $5,000, a Gala Sponsor Package for two tickets at $1,500, a Gala Table of 10 at $2,500, Individual Gala Tickets at $250, and Gala Afterglow tickets at $50 each.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an evening of exquisite music, fine dining, and artful surroundings, all while supporting the Des Moines Metro Opera as we embark on our 51st Festival Season. Order your tickets now and be part of a night that promises elegance, entertainment, and the celebration of opera.

Opera Gala

Ruan Center South Lobby

Join us for an exquisite blend of fashion and opera at the "Threads & Trills Costume Show and Luncheon," hosted by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This unique event is scheduled for June 15, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the prestigious Des Moines Embassy Club West, located at 520 Market St, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Experience an afternoon of elegance and artistry as you enjoy a sophisticated luncheon accompanied by the melodious performances of our mainstage artists. The highlight of the event will be a special fashion show featuring some of the opera's most extravagant and breathtaking costumes, modeled by special guests. It's a perfect fusion of culinary delights, stunning visuals, and captivating sounds.

This event promises not only a feast for the senses but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the glamorous world of opera costumes, all while enjoying the company of fellow arts and fashion enthusiasts.

For tickets and more information on how to be part of this fashionable affair, please visit our website or contact us directly. Don't miss this chance to indulge in a unique cultural experience that celebrates the beauty and creativity of opera in a most enchanting setting.

Threads & Trills Costume Show And Luncheon

Des Moines Embassy Club West

Get ready for a rollicking fiesta of sunny Seville madness as Rossini’s celebrated, razor-sharp comedy returns to our stage in riotous technicolor. Featuring some of opera’s most familiar and show-stopping tunes, The Barber of Seville is a must-see treat for the eyes and ears!

The Barber of Seville

Join us for an extraordinary showcase of operatic talent at the Apprentice Scenes Program, presented by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This captivating event will take place on June 29, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Lekberg Hall, located within the Amy Robertson Music Center at Simpson College, 513 N Buxton St, Indianola, IA 50125.

Experience the brilliance of the 2024 Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program, as its members take center stage to perform fully staged excerpts from a diverse operatic repertoire. This event is a unique opportunity to witness the emerging talents of the opera world as they bring to life the power and beauty of opera through their performances.

The Apprentice Scenes Program is part of a series of performances, with additional dates including Saturday, July 5; Friday, July 12; and Tuesday, July 16, all starting at 2:00 PM. These events are free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike to enjoy high-quality operatic performances.

The event will be held in the intimate setting of Lekberg Hall in the Amy Robertson Music Building on the picturesque campus of Simpson College. For more information or to inquire about additional details, please contact our Box Office at 515-209-3257 or boxofficedmmo.org.

Don't miss this chance to support and enjoy the artistry of the next generation of opera stars. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of opera at the Apprentice Scenes Program.

Apprentice Scenes Program

Amy Robertson Music Center

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

**Pelléas & Mélisande at Des Moines Metro Opera**

Join us for a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Impressionist opera with Claude Debussy's only completed opera, "Pelléas & Mélisande." This exquisitely nuanced masterpiece shimmers with the color and texture of a Monet painting, captivating audiences with its hypnotic score and a tale of forbidden love that blossoms in a dreamlike world. 

**Performance Dates & Times:**
- **Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 PM** - Best prices available
- **Friday, July 12 at 7:30 PM** - SOLD OUT
- **Wednesday, July 17 at 7:30 PM**
- **Sunday, July 21 at 2:00 PM** - SOLD OUT

**Venue:** The Lauridsen Opera Center, presented by the Des Moines Metro Opera. 

**Featuring:**
- **John Moore** as Pelléas, making a role debut
- **Sydney Mancasola** as Mélisande
- **Brandon Cedel** as Golaud, in his company debut
- Conducted by **Derrick Inouye**, in his company debut
- Directed by **Chas Rader-Shieber**, marking his seventh DMMO production

**About the Opera:**
Music and Libretto by Claude Debussy, adapted from Maurice Maeterlinck's play, "Pelléas & Mélisande" premiered on April 30, 1902, at Opéra-Comique, Paris. Sung in French with English supertitles, the opera runs approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission. This production marks its company premiere at DMMO.

**The Story:**
Debussy's masterpiece unfolds a tale of tragic love between Pelléas and Mélisande, set against a backdrop of familial strife and ancient curses. Its music defies the traditional forms of opera, flowing directly from the drama and the words, creating an unparalleled emotional and auditory experience.

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase online. With limited performances, early booking is recommended to secure your seats for this rare and enchanting opera experience. For sold-out dates, please fill out the Ticket Request Form or call 515-209-3257 for potential availability.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience Debussy's "Pelléas & Mélisande," a production that promises to cast a spell of beauty and melancholy, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and memory.

Pelléas & Mélisande

**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

Join us for an extraordinary showcase of talent at the "Stars of Tomorrow" event, presented by the Des Moines Metro Opera. This exclusive concert is scheduled for July 20, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the prestigious Sheslow Auditorium, located within Drake University at 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.

"Stars of Tomorrow" is a celebration of opera's bright future, featuring the talented members of our Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program. For one night only, these rising stars will grace the stage, performing some of opera's most beloved duets, trios, and ensembles. They will be accompanied by our acclaimed Festival Orchestra, ensuring a performance of the highest caliber.

The evening's performances will be under the baton of guest conductor Christopher Allen, known for his work on "The Magic Flute 2022." He will be joined by associate conductors Jonathan King, Donald Lee III, and Kyle Naig, bringing together a formidable team to lead this musical extravaganza.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the future of opera. To secure your seats for this unforgettable concert, please contact the DMMO Box Office or reserve your free tickets through the link provided. This is your chance to experience the magic of opera and support the stars of tomorrow.

Des Moines Metro Opera

Jun 1, 2024

Apprentice Spotlight Concert

Jun 3, 2024

Indianola Guild: Aap Welcome Potluck

7 - 8 Jun, 2024

Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure

Jun 8, 2024

Opera Gala

Jun 15, 2024

Threads & Trills Costume Show And Luncheon

Des Moines Metro Opera

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