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 12-week award-winning, regional arts education tour features comprehensive study guides, curriculum-based workshops, masterclasses as well as live musical performances designed specifically for young people and families. The eight-member OPERA Iowa Troupe features young professionals from across the country who are commited to inspiring their audiences through quality, live theatrical experiences.
Contact Kaylah Hicok at khicok@dmmo.org or 515-961-6221 to learn more about OPERA Iowa and how to bring a performance to your community in the future!
Stay tuned for details about the 2021 OPERA Iowa tour!
Meet the 2020 OPERA Iowa Troupe!
Dylan Gregg, bass-baritone
Nicholas Mayhugh, technician
Kellie Motter, soprano
Briana Moynihan, mezzo-soprano
Kellen Schrimper, baritone
Amanda Sheriff, soprano
Andrew Turner, tenor
Chong Zheng, music director
Little Red's Most Unusual Day
by John Davies
The world famous melodies of Jacques Offenbach and Gioachino Rossini ring out in this comical retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" that is brimming with fun and laughs! Join Little Red, her mom, Forest Ranger Dudley and that sneaky wolf as they discover why it's important to always do the right thing. Little Red's Most Unusual Day residencies can be reserved in half-day segments and include 3 classroom workshops that precede the 45-minute performance.
School residency of Little Red's Most Unusual Day: $595
School residency of Little Red's Most Unusual Day + evening concert of The Magic Flute: $1,900
To watch a full performance of this delightful children's opera, click HERE.
Please check back later for information about our 2021 OPERA Iowa tour!
The Magic Flute
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Come along as Tamino and Papageno embark on a quest to save the kidnapped Princess Pamina at the command of the evil Queen of the Night. With the help of a magical flute and set of bells, their journey leads them to Sarastro's temple where a series of trials and tests await them. This 90-minute family friendly production is sung in English and full of some of Mozart's most famous tunes!
Evening concert of The Magic Flute: $1,595
Evening concert of The Magic Flute + school residency of Little Red's Most Unusual Day: $1,900
Please check back later for information about our 2021 OPERA Iowa tour!
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! Arias in Concert is available in a 90-minute community performance as well as a 45-minute school version which includes a Q&A with the singers following the performance.
90-minute community performance of Arias in Concert: $1,000
45-minute school performance of Arias in Concert (with Q&A): $450
Please check back later for information about our 2021 OPERA Iowa tour!
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 samll groups and is perfect for contest season! Note: this session typically runs between 60-90 minutes. A pianist is provided.
Masterclasses: $350
Please check back later for information about our 2021 OPERA Iowa tour!