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 2022 OPERA Iowa programming!

If you have any questions about the tour and virtual offerings, contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

Live Performance Request Form

Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form

Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid

Music by Antonín Dvořák
Text, arrangement and concept by Joshua Borths

This charming adaptation takes audiences beneath the waves on the journey of a lifetime! Meet Rusalka as she follows her heart's desire to become human. But when her magical pact with the Sea Witch requires her to give up her voice, Rusalka's life and love are jeopardized. While this opera ends happily—unlike the original—don't be fooled. Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid thrills as our heroes risk everything for the chance to become who they were always meant to be all along.

School residency of Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid: $595
School residency of Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid + evening concert of Beauty and the Beast: $1,900

Bring Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid to your school this spring by filling out the Live Performance Request Form. Last year's professionally recorded performance will also be available as part of the Virtual Opera Curriculum. This content will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge beginning January 10, 2022. To gain access to the materials, please fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form or contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

Meet the Cast of Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid!

Cadie J. Bryan, soprano (top left)
Gabrielle Clutter, soprano (lower left)
Quinn Middleman, mezzo-soprano (top right)
Kyle Naig, music director (lower right)
Andrew Turner, tenor (top center)
Lindsey von Holten, soprano (lower center)

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 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.

Evening concert of Beauty and the Beast: $1,595
Evening concert of Beauty and the Beast + school residency of Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid: $1,900

Beauty and the Beast will be on tour from March 21 through April 29, 2022. Bring a performance of this exciting new show to your community by filling out the Live Performance Request Form.

Virtual Opera Curriculum

Introduce opera into your general music curriculum with this opera education series!

Developed for music educators by music educators, this curriculum will teach students the basics of opera, culminating with a fully-staged, filmed performance of the children's opera, Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid. The curriculum series includes several 4-5 minute informational videos for your classroom as well as related activities and worksheets to increase engagement with students and check for understanding.

Des Moines Metro Opera's Virtual Opera Curriculum was a hit with over 65,000 students participating in the spring of 2021! Join in the fun with this year's updated and expanded curriculum, which will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge beginning January 10, 2022. To gain access to the materials, please fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form or contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

Arias in 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!

90-minute community performance of Arias in Concert: $1,000
45-minute school performance of Arias in Concert (with Q&A): $450

Bring this concert to your community this spring by filling out the Live Performance Request Form. Last year's professionally recorded concert will also be available as part of the Virtual Opera Curriculum. This content will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge beginning January 10, 2022. To gain access to the materials, please fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form or contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

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. A pianist is provided.

Masterclasses: $350

Bring this interactive session to your classroom by filling out the Live Performance Request Form.