Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Why are you cancelling live performances?

The health and safety of our entire Des Moines Metro Opera family—including patrons, staff, volunteers, artists, and production personnel—are of primary importance to us. Due to the current global health situation, we are prevented from gathering safely in large groups to build sets and costumes, conduct rehearsals, and host performances, work that would begin as early as May 15.

Why can't the 2020 Festival Season be postponed?

Every summer over 225 artists (singers, orchestra members, design teams, conductors, directors, coaches, technicians, and interns) travel to Indianola to bring our Festival Season to life. Many of our artists have other engagements that begin immediately after our season ends, so we would not be able to assemble the same seasonal staff at a later date. 

In addition, we lease our theatre and housing facilities from our business partner, Simpson College. These facilities are used by many other groups outside of our season dates as well as during the academic year.

Even if we were able to postpone, it is still unclear as to when it will be safe for staff, artists and audiences to gather in person.

Will the 2020 productions be presented in 2021?

We are hopeful to be able to present each of our 2020 titles in upcoming seasons. At the moment, we are evaluating many options for the 2021 Festival Season and hope to have more information available later this fall.

When will the 2021 Festival Season be announced?

We hope to announce the 2021 Festival Season later this fall.

What is the Virtual Festival?

In lieu of an in-person festival, Des Moines Metro Opera is teaming up with our friends at Iowa PBS to share online and televised presentations of our recent productions of Billy BuddRusalkaManonLe Comte Ory and Bon Appétit! These broadcasts will serve as the centerpieces of our transformed 2020 Virtual Festival and will be supplemented by artist recitals, cast reunions, interviews, prelude talks, and digital versions of annual DMMO events like Stars of Tomorrow, Death by Aria and Threads & Trills.

The five opera broadcasts will be available for television audiences in Iowa or available online for global audiences on Iowa PBS's website. All broadcasts are free and open to the public.   

How can I help?

The DMMO staff is currently working remotely, so we ask for your patience during this transition as responses may be slower than usual. Please stay tuned for updates on our alternative programming being offered online this summer. Most importantly, please practice safe social distancing as much as possible.

Donate your tickets. 
If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible gift by donating your tickets. DMMO is committed to supporting its artists in their time of need, and your gift makes that possible. There has never been a better time to turn your tickets into a gift of support. Right now, the DMMO Challenge Fund is matching your ticket donation dollar-for-dollar, so your impact will be doubled!

The DMMO Challenge Fund is made possible thanks to the generosity of Sunnie Richer and Roger Brooks, Marshall and Judy Flapan, Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey, Michael and Barbara Gartner, Robert L. Larsen, Joyce Castle, Charlotte and Fred Hubbell, Rusty Hubbell Family Fund, Dr. Bruce Hughes and Dr. Randall Hamilton, Daniel M. and Mary Kelly, Bob and Kay Riley, Pat Brown, and Diane Morain.

To donate your tickets or to see your other options→Ticket Request Form

Make a gift of support.
Des Moines Metro Opera is proud to have led the industry through a commitment to honoring all agreements with artists, many of whom have been disastrously impacted by loss of engagements during this unprecedented time. Your gift will help ensure that Des Moines Metro Opera continues to fulfill its mission and that important cultural experiences are there when current restrictions end. Your support allows the show to go on. Every gift makes a difference, and we thank you for your support→Donate Now

Virtual Festival FAQs

What is the Virtual Festival?

In lieu of an in-person festival, Des Moines Metro Opera is teaming up with our friends at Iowa PBS to share online and televised presentations of our recent productions of Billy BuddRusalkaManonLe Comte Ory and Bon Appétit! These broadcasts will serve as the centerpieces of our transformed 2020 Virtual Festival and will be supplemented by artist recitals, cast reunions, interviews, prelude talks, and digital versions of annual DMMO events like Stars of Tomorrow, Death by Aria and Threads & Trills.

The five opera broadcasts will be available for television audiences in Iowa or available online for global audiences on Iowa PBS's website. All broadcasts are free and open to the public. 

Learn more >

How do I watch the Iowa PBS broadcasts?

If you live in Iowa, you have two options:

  1. On TV: tune in to Iowa PBS for their statewide television broadcasts. 
  2. Online: all five broadcasts will be available to view online on Facebook, YouTube and on IowaPBS.org.

If you live outside of Iowa, you are able to watch:

  1. Online: all five broadcasts will be available to view online on Facebook, YouTube and on IowaPBS.org. 
Do I have to purchase tickets for the broadcasts?

No! Every broadcast and online video of our 2020 Virtual Festival will be free and available to a worldwide audience. 

If you would like to support the Virtual Festival:
Des Moines Metro Opera is proud to have led the industry through a commitment to honoring all agreements with artists, many of whom have been disastrously impacted by loss of engagements during this unprecedented time. Your gift will help ensure that Des Moines Metro Opera continues to fulfill its mission and that important cultural experiences are there when current restrictions end. Your support allows the show to go on. Every gift makes a difference, and we thank you for your support→DONATE NOW

What if I miss the live broadcast?

The broadcasts will be available for on-demand viewing worldwide for 45 days after its premiere.

Manon will be available to view online through August 12.
Rusalka will be available to view online through August 19.
Billy Budd will be available to view online through August 26.
Le Comte Ory will be available to view online through September 2.

Are there subtitles?

Yes! Our friends at Iowa PBS have included subtitles for each of the operas, so you won't miss a word!