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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: Scott Arens, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Indianola, IA—Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is proud to announce that Michael Egel, the company’s Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director, has been recognized as one of Musical America's Top 30 Professionals of the Year. This prestigious national award honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and strive for innovation and excellence in the performing arts industry, shaping the future of the arts worldwide.
Read the Musical America Top 30 Professionals of the Year Special Report
"This well-deserved recognition from Musical America is a testament to Michael's visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to artistic excellence,” said Darren Jirsa, President of the DMMO Board of Directors. "Under his guidance, Des Moines Metro Opera has experienced remarkable growth, resulting in sold-out seasons, record-breaking philanthropic support, and international acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Michael's passion and dedication have enriched the cultural fabric of our local community and solidified DMMO's place on the international opera stage.”
Since assuming the role of General and Artistic Director in 2013, Egel has been instrumental in elevating DMMO's national profile. Under his guidance, the company has expanded its repertoire, introduced innovative programming, and fostered community engagement through initiatives like the 2nd Stages Series, which presents new works and contemporary subject matter in unique venues across the region.
Egel's tenure has also been marked by successful fundraising efforts, including a $20 million endowment campaign for DMMO's 50th Anniversary in 2022 and a $4 million campaign to renovate the company's headquarters into the Lauridsen Opera Center, which opened in 2019. These achievements have strengthened the company's financial foundation and enhanced its capacity to deliver world-class opera productions.
Egel's association with DMMO spans three decades, beginning as an administrative intern during the 1994 Festival Season. His deep-rooted commitment to the company and the art form continues to inspire audiences and artists alike. Read Michael Egel’s bio.
About Des Moines Metro Opera
Lauded by The New Yorker as “one of America’s boldest smaller companies,” Des Moines Metro Opera is a progressive opera company located in the heart of Iowa that has taken its place among America’s leading opera festivals. Founded in 1973, it’s one of the largest performing arts organizations in Iowa, annually producing over 100 performances in the metro area and across the region.
The 2025 Festival Season runs June 27 – July 20 and includes the long-awaited return of Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, a new production of Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen and a new production of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. Season subscriptions and individual ticket reservations are currently available for purchase online at dmmo.org/tickets or by calling the Box Office at (515) 209-3257.
Learn more about Des Moines Metro Opera.
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