Des Moines Metro Opera facts for kids

The Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is an opera company located in Indianola, Iowa. This town is about 12 miles south of Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Robert L. Larsen and Douglas Duncan started DMMO in 1973.

Every summer, the company performs three main operas. These shows happen during June and July. DMMO first aimed to serve the Midwest. However, its audience now comes from many different states and even other countries.

The company also has an educational program called Opera Iowa. This group travels around Iowa from fall to spring. Opera Iowa includes singers, a pianist, and a technical director. They have also performed in nine nearby states. They have even exchanged programs with groups in Japan and China.

Who Runs the Opera?

Dr. Robert L. Larsen was the main artistic leader from 1973 until 2010. He chose the operas and the singers. He also directed and conducted the shows.

In 2010, Michael Egel became the Artistic Director. He was named General Director in 2013. David Neely became the Music Director in 2012. Dr. Larsen is still with the company as Director Emeritus.

Since 2013, Lisa Hasson has led the important Apprentice Artist Program.

Where and What They Perform

Most DMMO opera shows happen at the Blank Center for the Performing Arts. This theater is on the campus of Simpson College. The Blank Center has 467 seats. It offers a close and personal setting for opera.

The stage has a special design. There is a semicircular stage in front of the orchestra. This "playing circle" is very close to the audience. Bridges let performers move between this area and the main stage. Sometimes, DMMO performs at the larger Civic Center in Des Moines.

In 1986, DMMO showed a new opera called The Tempest. It was based on Shakespeare's play. The music was by Lee Hoiby. This opera was shown on Iowa Public Television.

DMMO first performed operas only in English. In 1998, they presented their first foreign-language show, Tosca. Now, their season usually includes one opera in English. They also perform two operas in other languages. These can be Italian, German, French, Russian, or Czech. All foreign-language shows have supertitles. These are like subtitles that help the audience understand. The season also often includes a modern opera from the 20th century.

Singers and the Apprentice Program

Many talented singers started their careers at DMMO. Some of these include John Osborn, Kimm Julian, and Lauren Flanigan.

A very important part of the Des Moines Metro Opera is its apprentice program. It is called The James M. Collier Apprentice Artist Program. Each summer, about 40 young singers join this program. They get to learn from experienced performers. They also work with opera coaches and directors.

Apprentice artists sing in the chorus. They also prepare short scenes. Some even get to be understudies for main singers. They might also perform small solo parts in the main shows. More than 1,000 singers have been part of this program since it began in 1975.

Special Opera Productions

Each season, DMMO performs one or two well-known operas. But they also present many operas that are new or rarely seen. These include:

Images for kids

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  Blank Center for the Performing Arts at Simpson College, the home of Des Moines Metro Opera