OPERA Iowa

For over 35 years OPERA Iowa has created magic in rural schools, city classrooms, cafetoriums, community centers, concert halls and gymnasiums, offering over 975,000 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.

Keep scrolling for details about the 2023 and 2024 OPERA Iowa programming!

The 2023 tour will run from February 27 through May 5. View the 2023 Tour Calendar. Find a Beauty and the Beast performance in your area.

The 2024 tour will run from February 26 through April 26.

If you have any questions about the tour, contact Kaylah Rude at krude@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

MEET THE ARTISTS!

  • Alyssa Barnes, soprano (Houston, TX)
  • Logan Dell'Acqua, baritone (Traverse City, MI)
  • Brandon Hearrell, technical supervisor (Fort Worth, TX)
  • Nicholas Huff, tenor (Kenosha, WI)
  • Dura Jun, music director (New York, NY)
  • Sarah Rosales, soprano (Cedar Rapids, IA)
  • Ariana Warren, mezzo-soprano (Long Island, NY)
  • Micah Zimmerman, technical assistant (Houston, TX)

Read the troupe's bios >

Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing

Composed by Malcolm Fox

Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing is the story of a serpent in the circus who longs for more than just slithering in and out of his basket—he wants to sing! His efforts to find a singing style suitable to a snake are hilarious and this wonderful little opera has become our most requested opera for children! In addition to this performance, a school residency includes access to OPERA Iowa's Virtual Opera Curriculum and in-person workshops on the day of your performance.

School residency of Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing: $595
School residency of Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing + Masterclass: $775
School residency of Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing + community performance of Beauty and the Beast: $1900

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Music by André Grétry
Text, arrangement and concept by Joshua Borths
 
Enjoy a twist on the classic fairytale with the world premiere tour of Grétry and Borths' Beauty and the Beast! The characters of Belle’s world are obsessed with how they are perceived by the world around them. The Prince was the worst example of this until the Spirit of the Rose cursed him so that his body would reflect his soul, and everyone would see him for the beast he truly was. With the help of Belle, the Spirit of the Rose, and a magic mirror, the Beast will try to change his heart and break the curse.
 
Community performance of Beauty and the Beast: $1595
Community performance of Beauty and the Beast + school residency of Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing: $1,900
Community performance of Beauty and the Beast + school residency of Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing + 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 Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing: $775

applause for the sponsors!