OPERA Iowa

For over 37 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.

The 2025 tour will run from February 25 through April 25. Book your 2025 OPERA Iowa performance >

If you have any questions about the tour, contact Bridget Anderson at banderson@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.

The Billy Goats Gruff

Arranged by John Davies with music by Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti

For school performances, we are excited to offer The Billy Goats Gruff for the spring tour. The show takes a familiar tale and adds a fun operatic twist with a strong anti-bullying message. On the way home from school, three little billy goats encounter a steep bridge, a mean troll and a sticky situation that they must try to solve—and all set to some of the greatest classical music by Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti!

School residency of The Billy Goats Gruff: $595
School residency of The Billy Goats Gruff + Masterclass: $775
School residency of The Billy Goats Gruff + community performance of Cinderella: $1900

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Cinderella

Music by Gioachino Rossini
 
Our offering for evening community performances is a perfect show for children and the whole family! From the composer of The Barber of Seville, Gioachino Rossini's other famous opera, Cinderella, is a vocal and comedic romp! A wise magician takes the place of the fairy godmother and an evil stepfather rants and faves instead of the wicked stepmother. But the nasty stepsisters, Prince Charming and a glass slipper prove, beyond all question, that this is the fairy tale we all know and love. And when it's combined with hilarious characters and set to some of Rossini's finest music, it becomes comic opera at its most exhilarating best!
 
Community performance of Cinderella: $1595
Community performance of Cinderella + school residency of The Billy Goats Gruff: $1,900
Community performance of Cinderella + school residency of The Billy Goats Gruff + Masterclass: $2,200

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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

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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

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applause for the sponsors!