OPERA Iowa
For 40 years OPERA Iowa has created magic in rural schools, city classrooms, cafetoriums, community centers, concert halls and gymnasiums, offering over one million young people and adults a quality arts experience today while building new enthusiastic opera audiences for tomorrow. As the state's largest and most expansive program in arts education and one of the most innovative programs of its kind, Des Moines Metro Opera's award-winning, regional arts education program features comprehensive study guides, curriculum-based workshops, as well as professional musical performances designed specifically for young people and families. The seven-member OPERA Iowa Troupe features young professionals from across the country who are committed to inspiring their audiences through exceptional theatrical experiences of the highest quality.
Want to see the OPERA Iowa troupe perform? Check out the schedule of OPERA Iowa performances HERE.
See the 2026 OPERA Iowa troupe in action HERE!
The 2027 OPERA Iowa Tour will run from February 23 through April 24.
Want to see the OPERA Iowa troupe perform? Check out the schedule of OPERA Iowa performances HERE.
If you have any questions about the tour, contact Sam Carroll at operaiowa@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.
Pinocchio
Arranged by John Davies with music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Pergolesi
For school performances, we are delighted to present Pinocchio. This beloved story, which features music by Mozart, Donizetti, Offenbach, and Pergolesi, comes to life with an engaging operatic twist and a heartfelt message about honesty and responsability. When Pinicchio is tempted to skip school, he is led astray by Wolf and Cat and falls into the hands of the mischievous Dr. Dulcamara. With a bit of courage and the help of new friends, he must find his way home and make things right.
School residency of Pinocchio: $595
School residency of Pinocchio + Masterclass: $775
School residency of Pinocchio + community performance of Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch: $1900
Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch
In this imaginative adaptation of the classic fairytale, Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch turns a familiar story on its head as a grown-up Hansel takes us on a journey revealing what really happened in that fantastical gingerbread house. Set to music by Engelbert Humperdinck, this reimagined tale invites audiences to see these well-known characters in a whole new light. With themes of growth, empathy and self-discovery, the show will captivate audiences of all ages, from young to young at heart. Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch is a perfect introduction to opera and fits well into family community concert series programming. The opera is 60 minutes with no intermission and is sung in English with piano accompaniment.
Community performance of Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch + school residency of Pinocchio: $1,900
Community performance of Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch + school residency of Pinocchio + Masterclass: $2,200
OPERA Iowa Spotlight Concert
Treat your community or school to an arias concert featuring the hits of opera and musical theatre! This concert is perfect for opera newcomers and aficionados alike!
60-minute community performance of Spotlight Concert: $500
45-minute school performance of Spotlight Concert (with Q&A): $350
Masterclasses
Explore the technical components of singing and dramatic interpretation with a Masterclass - a must-have seminar for high school and college students. This interactive session allows students to perform and benefit from vocal tips and insights from the professional singers of the OPERA Iowa troupe. The Masterclass is suited for both large and small groups and is perfect for contest season! Note: this session typically runs between 60-90 minutes.
Masterclasses: $350
Masterclass + School residency of The Billy Goats Gruff $775
applause for the sponsors!
