OPERA Iowa
For over 34 years OPERA Iowa has created magic in rural schools, city classrooms, cafetoriums, community centers, concert halls and gymnasiums, offering over 900,000 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.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, OPERA Iowa has adapted its programming to be presented in an entirely digital format. This new Virtual Opera Curriculum keeps all of teachers' favorite parts of the OPERA Iowa experience while also building out new and exciting content for the general music classroom. The Virtual Opera Curriculum is available to all teachers, parents, and community members free of charge.
Contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221 to learn more about the 2021 OPERA Iowa Virtual Curriculum or fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form.
Keep scrolling for details about the 2021 OPERA Iowa Virtual Curriculum!
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 whom they were always meant to be all along.
The full performance of Rusalka: the Littlest Mermaid will be available as part of the Virtual Opera Curriculum. This content will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge beginning March 15, 2021. To request materials, please fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form or contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.
Virtual Opera Curriculum
Introduce opera into your general music curriculum with this brand new 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 will be available beginning March, 15, 2021, and will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge. To request 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!
This special concert will be available as part of the Virtual Opera Curriculum. This content will be available to teachers, parents, and community programs free of charge beginning March 15, 2021. To request materials, please fill out the Virtual Opera Curriculum Request Form or contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221.
Meet the 2021 OPERA Iowa Troupe!
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)
