A statement from the General & Artistic Director regarding COVID-19
Tuesday, March 17, 2020UPDATE (4/7/2020)
We are family at Des Moines Metro Opera. A family of artists, donors, volunteers and audience members who understand the value of shared artistic experiences. Each season, we come together to create something bigger than ourselves – music and theatre that help us make sense of and appreciate the world around us. We do this because we care about our community and we care about you. For 48 years, our people have been our success. We are strong today because of you.
At this time, our preparations for the 2020 Summer Festival Season productions and events continue as planned, but we are committed to responding appropriately to new public health information as it becomes available. As always, our highest priority is the health of our entire DMMO family — patrons, staff, and artists.
Even though our staff is working remotely, we are here for you. Please call or email any of us and we’ll be happy to help you. Below in this month's newsletter, you can see how we’re still serving our community in new and different ways. I’m convinced that on the other side of today’s challenges, the world will need a vibrant arts and culture sector more than ever and because of your support, we will be there. Most importantly, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.
-Michael Egel, General & Artistic Director
3/17/2020
I write to provide an update on Des Moines Metro Opera’s plans regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. While our mission is to create world class experiences for artists and audiences, our first priority is to protect the health of our patrons, artists, staff members, and community.
Due to Governor Reynold’s recommended closure of many of Iowa’s schools, we have suspended the remainder our 2020 Opera Iowa Touring schedule. We will create video content of the troupe's productions of Little Red’s Most Unusual Day and Arias in Concert that will be made available to schools and presenters to experience in an alternative format. Additionally, all DMMO Guild events have been suspended through May 10. We believe that music and the arts still play a role (although altered) in strengthening our community at a time most especially like this.
Our administrative offices remain operational, with our staff working remotely. If you have questions or concerns, we are still here to help! Please call us at 515-961-6221, Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30pm (CST) or visit our website at desmoinesmetroopera.org
Our preparations for the 2020 Summer Festival Season productions and events will continue as planned. Opera companies and the artists who perform with them are vital contributors to the nonprofit sector and important to the economy of the communities they serve. The unexpected loss of event-dependent revenue and declines in charitable contributions are beginning to come into focus and will grow over time. If you have the resources, consider making a financial donation to arts and cultural organizations impacted by shutdowns.
DMMO is committed to continuing to monitor and respond to recommendations by local government and the CDC. We eagerly await a time when gathering together to celebrate live performance and the creation of art is possible. When it is, we look forward to seeing you, our friends and supporters.
-Michael Egel, DMMO General & Artistic Director