50 NEXT: Giving Voice to the Future Anniversary Campaign

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50

Next A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY




50 Next GIVING VOICE TO THE FUTURE

Fifty years. Five decades. Over 150 productions. Any way you state it, arriving at our golden anniversary in 2022 is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. As we reflect on past successes and toast to the Company’s current health, we have the opportunity to honor those who have contributed to its growth and the obligation to secure a sound financial footing for its future. We invite you to read more about our plans and to join us in support of our 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN. Our greatest strength has been the vigorous pursuit of ambitious endeavors. From our modest and improbable beginnings in 1973—when a soprano or a violist might double as a scenic painter— to the present day, which features a summer staff numbering well over 200 professional craftspeople, artists and administrators, Des Moines Metro Opera continues to grow, evolve and innovate. Our success has been our people—people like you who believe in the value that the performing arts add to our communities. People who believe that the greatest performances shouldn’t only be found in a handful of America’s largest cities, but should be accessible to all of us. People like you who have risen to support the vision for professional opera in Iowa. The impulse to sing our stories to one another is as old as time. Musical expression through song has deep roots across generations, languages and populations. Opera provides access to these songs and gives voice to our stories. Its bold vision unites great music with the visual arts, literature, technology, dance and storytelling to create the original multimedia art form. Des Moines Metro Opera performances, whether on our unique mainstage or in an elementary school gymnasium, showcase the performing arts in meaningful exchange with the community and enable all of us to understand much more deeply what it means to be human.

Sincerely, MICHAEL EGEL General and Artistic Director

VIRGINIA CROSKERY LAURIDSEN President, Board of Directors

TIM MCMILLIN SUSAN E. VOSS Director of Advancement President, Foundation Board of Directors


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For over 45 years, Des Moines Metro Opera has produced an annual festival that is among the oldest and most enterprising summer opera fests in the nation. The Chicago Tribune

THE QUEEN OF SPADES 2021



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Shrewd programming, thoughtful casting and top-flight “ production values have won the company wide acclaim. ” The Chicago Tribune

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC 2017


FULLY PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIONS UNITE REMARKABLE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTISTS WE UTILIZE a spectacular array of professional talent to demonstrate that opera is a contemporary and creative art form. Be it a classic reimagined for the 21st century or a work from our own time, we present high quality productions in one of America’s most unique and intimate theatres. New, creative productions reflect a fully-integrated approach to scenery, costumes, and lighting design that transport audiences to the intersection of art and ideas. Central to Des Moines Metro Opera’s mission is to provide a stage for rapidly rising American-trained principal artists. Our artists frequently sing with many of the major opera companies around the world including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Vienna State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Glyndebourne Festival and the English National Opera.


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RUSALKA 2018


Another 'best ever' experience that can only be created by a team at the top of its game, in a theatre that allows us to share this intimate journey in such proximity that it seems we are virtually inhabiting this very special world ourselves. Opera Today


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ARTISTRY

BY THE NUMBERS

1,000 NATIONWIDE APPLICANTS FOR SINGER AUDITIONS EACH YEAR

4,444

CUMULATIVE HOURS OF REHEARSALS, PRODUCTION DESIGN AND PERFORMANCES

$1,272,505

INVESTED IN THE TRAINING OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICAN ARTISTS SINCE 2012

BILLY BUDD 2017


INSPIRED MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMING EACH YEAR we cultivate the next generation of musicians and music lovers through programs like the OPERA Iowa Tour and OPERAtion Opera, offering public performances, workshops and access to cultural experiences for youth in both urban and rural schools across the state. The OPERA Iowa Tour is a 9-week regional tour which presents over 200 classroom workshops and over 70 school and community opera performances each year. The residencies are inspired by the idea that an engaged audience will have a more meaningful viewing experience. Since its inception OPERA Iowa has introduced live performance to over 900,000 people in all 99 Iowa counties, 10 states and even China and Japan. Even when school residencies were halted in 2021, OPERA Iowa created an innovative Virtual Opera Curriculum that was enjoyed in 26 states, three countries and viewed by more than 65,000 students. Because we hold the belief that great art should be accessible for everyone, OPERAtion Opera was created to serve audiences who otherwise might not have access to a live performance through a series of free events. Nearly 30 human and social service agencies, including Youth Emergency Shelter Services, Orchard Place, Children and Families Urban Movement and others, engage with the art form because of this program.


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LITTLE RED'S MOST UNUSUAL DAY 2019


Excellence everywhere! One 1st grader sang his weather report. A parent noted that her 5th grade boy thanked God for the opera in his bedtime prayers. You made a paradigm shift today for over 800 kids. Gib Ziemer - teacher in Vinton, Iowa


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LEARNING BY THE NUMBERS

24,000 CHILDREN EXPERIENCE THE OPERA IOWA PROGRAM EACH YEAR

6,000+ MILES TRAVELED EACH YEAR ACROSS IOWA AND BEYOND

900,000+ PEOPLE SERVED SINCE 1988

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 2018


PERFORMANCES THAT BUILD BRIDGES WE BELIEVE that a great city is defined by the vibrancy, health and diversity of its arts organizations and that we meet an important community need by serving as a social, cultural, educational and economic resource to Central Iowa and the Midwest. We connect audiences of all ages through curated concerts, lectures, art shows, film screenings and unique collaborations such as those in our 2nd Stages Series. Conceived as an expansion of our programming, this series builds on our capacity as a true community partner and introduces audiences to this remarkable art form through performances in unorthodox spaces. Through our special collaborations with the Iowa National Guard, One Iowa, the Iowa Culinary Institute, the Des Moines Art Center, the Science Center of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, we disrupt expectations about what live performance can be and underscore the art form’s power to speak to a modern world.


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BON APPÉTIT 2019


My career was working at the VA in mental health. Two of my patients were POWs in WWII. The act of sharing the experience of their captivity and their struggle to go on after that was very profound, moving and poignant for me. They are both gone now, but all of this was with me again during Glory Denied. Pat Ryan - Audience Member


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CONNECTIONS BY THE NUMBERS

14

UNIQUE COLLABORATIVE PRODUCTIONS SINCE 2013

92%

AVERAGE CAPACITY OF SEATS SOLD

97,000

PEOPLE EXPERIENCE DES MOINES METRO OPERA PROGRAMMING EACH YEAR

GLORY DENIED 2018



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PRODUCED LOCALLY AND RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY DURING OUR 2019 Season, more than 97,000 people interacted with Des Moines Metro Opera through mainstage performances, statewide education programs, and broadcasts on Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio. Our partnership with Iowa PBS has yielded six nominations for Regional Emmy Awards for Arts Programming, with three wins for productions of Manon, Billy Budd and Bon Appétit. Audiences for the Summer Festival Season are comprised of a significant number of people who travel to Indianola from outside the Des Moines Metro area. On average, 50-60% of our audience comes from the Des Moines metro and 40-50% represent attendees from other parts of Iowa or other states. DMMO’s core audience is its 1,000 season ticket holders who account for nearly 40% of attendees. Each year DMMO employs a substantial number of artists and attracts attendees who patronize area shops, restaurants and hotels. According to a recent economic impact study by Dave Swenson, DMMO annually contributes more than $1 million in labor income and more than $4 million to Greater Des Moines industries from attendees living outside the metro area.

THE TENDER LAND 2018


Why do I travel half-way across the country from “ D.C. every summer? There's nothing like the excitement of feeling totally immersed in an opera performance, and that's what this amazing company gives you. John Greer, Washington, DC - Audience Member


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REACH

BY THE NUMBERS

40

STATES ON AVERAGE REPRESENTED EACH SEASON BY TICKET BUYERS

66

IOWA COUNTIES ON AVERAGE REPRESENTED EACH SEASON BY TICKET BUYERS

450,000 TOTAL VIEWERS OF 6 IOWA PBS BROADCASTS SINCE 2013'S ROMEO AND JULIET

PHOTO BY MARK DAVITT


A VOICE FOR THE FUTURE DES MOINES METRO OPERA is proud to create art in a growing and thriving metro area, and we are well-positioned to play a leadership role in the growth of our community. Our festival performance model and robust learning programs underscore the role of the arts and culture as “vibrant contributors for powering growth, progress and change” as outlined in the Central Iowa Regional Cultural Assessment and Capital Crossroads 2.0. In particular, we understand the role that the human voice and sung stories can play in building bridges into our communities. We recognize the sense of empowerment and belonging that is generated when diverse communities and individuals recognize their stories on the stage. This is the value and the impact that opera brings to our world. By investing today in the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN, described on the following pages, you can help ensure that Des Moines Metro Opera is a voice for everyone throughout our region, state and nation for years to come.


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Des Moines Metro Opera always—and I mean always—manages to make opera accessible, visually interesting, and impactful even to audience members like me, who lack a background in the art and who don't have an inherent ear for it. Glenn Doyle, Chicago, IL - Audience Member

A CONCERT FOR ROBERT LARSEN 2021


MOZART

THE MAGIC FLUTE MARCH 5-6 DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER

Prepare to be astonished as the musical brilliance of Mozart meets the stunning visual spectacle of Barrie Kosky and Suzanne Andrade’s production of the composer’s masterpiece The Magic Flute. The singers interact with the silent film-style as they carry family-friendly audiences into an enchanted world where good faces the forces of darkness. The fable centers around noble Prince Tamino and bird catcher Papageno’s quest to rescue Pamina, the Queen of the Night’s daughter. During their journey the two are tested as they overcome evil to discover the truth. Leadership funding provided by Nix and Virginia Lauridsen/Lauridsen Family Foundation

AARON BLAKE Tamino

AUDREY LUNA Queen of the Night

ANDREW WILKOWSKE Papageno


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aMidsummer BRITTEN

Night's Dream JULY 2, 10, 15, 23

Benjamin Britten’s opera is based on Shakespeare’s popular comedy, which follows the consequences of a falling-out between the fairy-king Oberon and his queen, Tytania. Mistaken identities, confused lovers and alarming transformations are the result. From the sliding string chords of the magic wood to the rustics’ well-intentioned entertainment, Britten’s ear for beguiling orchestration and melodic invention will enchant and entice. Countertenor John Holiday and soprano Sydney Mancasola lead the cast in an all-new production created by Chas Rader-Shieber and Jacob A. Climer as we return to a work that stands as one of Des Moines Metro Opera’s most special memories and signature operas.

SYDNEY MANCASOLA Tytania

JOHN HOLIDAY Oberon

BARNABY REA Bottom


THE GERSHWINS'

Porgy and Bess JULY 1, 3, 8, 14, 16, 21, 24

Hailed as the first American opera, Porgy and Bess has courted critical acclaim and inspired passionate reactions since its premiere. Featuring some of the most beautiful and beloved songs ever written, a wealth of musical excellence pours out of a neighborhood that oppression can’t keep down. Porgy and Bess shines a light on a chapter from our past as culturally challenging as its songs and characters are universally cherished. The work sparks conversations that are as passionate and relevant today as ever. Our production will be offered in collaboration with and in honor of Iowa’s own international opera star Simon Estes (pictured right) on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his historic Metropolitan Opera debut. He will serve as Producing Advisor for the Iowa premiere of what is perhaps the greatest American opera.

KEVIN DEAS Porgy

MICHELLE JOHNSON Bess

SIMON ESTES Producing Advisor


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A THOUSAND ACRES KUSTER/CAMPBELL

JULY 9, 13, 17, 19, 22

a new American Opera

A Thousand Acres is family drama writ large. It is a story of great scope and broad appeal with distinctive characters. It explores ideas of family conflict, patriarchy, legacy and the strength and fragility of the ties that bind us together. This powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear, set on an Iowa farm in the 1970s, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Ambassador Book Award for Fiction. When Larry Cook, a prominent farmer, announces at a family gathering that he has decided to divide the family's thousand acres among his three daughters, it sets off a series of events that culminate in dramatic reckoning where all the buried family secrets are finally laid bare. This world premiere opera will have its debut on July 9, 2022.

Leadership funding provided by Linda and Tom Koehn

KRISTIN KUSTER Composer

MARK CAMPBELL Librettist

JANE SMILEY Author


GETER/PALMER

AMERICAN APOLLO

JULY 20, 21, 23

a new American Opera

DES MOINES ART CENTER

American Apollo is a new opera based on a story forged at the crossroad of celebrity, class, race, and power in America, teasing at the impossibly closed page of the personal relationship between two intensely private people with good reasons to be silent: John Singer Sargent, the closeted celebrity image crafter and public artist, and the artist's Black-American model, soldier and muse, Thomas McKeller. With special contributions from Sargent scholar Nathaniel Silver and drawing on the recent Gardner Museum exhibition Boston's Apollo, this tale of individual courage and breathtaking vulnerability peels the varnish off venerable historical figures to reveal the beating heart and simmering desire beneath Sargent's only uncommissioned monumental male nude. A short performance, discussion, and lecture with Gardner curator Dr. Nathaniel Silver will be presented in July 2022 in collaboration with the Des Moines Art Center and Pyramid Theatre.

Leadership funding provided by Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey

DAMIEN GETER Composer

LILA PALMER Librettist

NATHANIEL SILVER Curator


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OUR MISSION Create distinctive theatrical experiences and inspirational learning opportunities for artists and audiences of the 21st century

INSPIRE diverse audiences through statewide educational programs and unique community collaborations

ENCOURAGE established and emerging artists and administrators to produce their best work through a creative, inclusive environment

CURATE innovative repertory from four centuries of composition presented at the highest levels of artistic and vocal achievement

IMPACT the economic vitality of the Greater Des Moines region through programming that generates national and international tourism


50 Next GIVING VOICE TO THE FUTURE

The Company’s most important objectives for the future can be met through the success of the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN. This multi-year campaign precedes our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2022 and will significantly increase endowment funds, support an investment in new, creative endeavors and expand the Company’s footprint in our community, state and industry. We invite you to be a part of securing the next 50 years at DMMO!

THE VISION: • • •

CELEBRATE A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY by honoring our artistic legacy through the creation of a new work that will give voice to contemporary American artists. ELEVATE OUR PROFILE AS AN ARTS LEADER by utilizing a world premiere and other artistic initiatives designed to create new, unexpected community and statewide partnerships.

ACTIVATE OUR LOYAL AND BROAD BASE OF SUPPORT to leverage greater financial strength and promise for the future while enhancing our reputation as a leader in fiscal stability.

THE GOAL: A $15 million comprehensive campaign for the 50th Anniversary will advance DMMO’s artistic legacy and build our capacity to serve a growing and diverse population. A portion of this goal will fund artistic initiatives including a world premiere in July 2022 and a major community performance at the Des Moines Civic Center in March 2022. Because it is important that these initiatives include as many of our loyal patrons as possible, 25% of each cash gift received will be allocated as consortium support to the creation of A Thousand Acres. The remaining 75% of cash gifts, along with all planned gifts, will be allocated to the campaign for endowment outlined below. The 25%/75% policy will be observed unless a gift is otherwise designated by the donor.

A world premiere demonstrates DMMO's “innovative spirit and expands how we think

about our organization in 21st century terms. Imagine the energy, the excitement, the pride we'll experience when we look back and say of a great new American opera: 'We made that. That started here.' Michael Egel - General and Artistic Director


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A CAMPAIGN FOR ENDOWMENT In order to support continued high levels of artistry and community impact, while maintaining fiscal responsibility, endowment fund growth is critical. Currently the value of the endowment is just over $14 million. Yearly disbursements at just under 5% provide approximately $550,000 in annual operating support. The Company’s increased standards during recent seasons have been funded through higher ticket revenues and contributions, which have increased by more than 115% since 2012. The percentage of seats sold in 2019 was over 92%, thus indicating that future growth in earned revenues has limitations. Through the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN, we seek to raise an additional $13 million for the endowment, whose annual earnings help underwrite the Company’s most important activities and pave the way for future growth. As Des Moines Metro Opera looks forward to its 50th anniversary season in 2022, now is the time to add your support to ensure success and vitality for the next fifty years and beyond!

HELP SECURE THE FUTURE DMMO exists because of people like you who believe in the power of the performing arts. We invite you to consider joining those who have already committed to helping DMMO reach its goal of $15,000,000 during the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN. We are on our way, but we know that achieving the goal will only be possible with the help of everyone playing their part to ensure that our artistic strength is rooted in sustainability.

CONSIDER GIVING • • • • •

Cash or marketable stocks and bonds Through tax-advantaged retirement plan distributions Real estate on a case-by-case basis Corporate matches By including DMMO in your estate plans – Examples of estate/planned gifts are: – Bequests: Wills and Living Trusts – Retirement Plans: IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Keogh – Charitable Remainder Trusts – Charitable Lead Trusts – Remainder Interest in Residence – Life Insurance – Charitable Gift Annuities

HOW TO GIVE • Make a gift of liquid assets now or over up to five years through a signed pledge with a fixed payment schedule. • Make a gift that pays you or a loved one income during your life and benefits DMMO with the remainder upon your death. • Make a gift known to DMMO from your will or an estate plan.

We are honored to represent the community of support for Des Moines Metro Opera on the occasion of its 50 year anniversary. For us it is a celebration of the many people for whom telling opera stories in Iowa became a personal commitment. Tom and Linda Koehn - 50 Next Honorary Chairs


OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES As alternatives to direct support of the special initiatives already described in the previous pages, the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN offers additional ways to create a lasting legacy and play an important role in supporting the Company.

FUND THE FUTURE As the Company looks forward to the next 50 years and beyond, we are working with our partners at Simpson College to explore investments in the Blank Performing Arts Center, which has been home to DMMO from its first season. After 50 years, the need to invest in the infrastructure of the theatre is a reality. Endowment funds provide annual support that is given in support of a specific initiative. Opportunities begin at $500,000, which establishes the fund so that the gift’s investment yields the requisite annual disbursement to achieve the programming goal. Once established, additional consortium support in any amount can be accepted to advance the purpose of the fund. DMMO staff would be pleased to discuss the fund opportunities with you.

BLANK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LANDSCAPE RENOVATIONS Establishes a capital project to enhance the exterior areas surrounding the theatre according to landscape design by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. THE INNOVATION FUND Supports the integration of the most recent theatrical technologies such as projections, lighting equipment and communication devices, enabling our company to be 21st century ready. THE PREMIERE FUND Supports an investment in new works, new voices and world premieres for next generation audiences. THE COMMUNITY AND LEARNING FUND Funds the Company’s long tradition of fostering creativity and dynamic arts education programs in our schools and communities. THE BROADCASTING FUND Enhances the reach of Company productions through recording and broadcasting by Iowa PBS. THE NEXT GENERATION FUND Provides access to new audiences through programs such as student rush and senior ticket initiatives, young professionals events and new audience development. THE ROBERT L. LARSEN SCENIC FUND Already established and named in honor of our founder, this fund seeks to add value through consortium support to create new scenery each year. (Any amount) THE COSTUME DESIGN FUND Supports the design, creation and subsequent management of new costumes each season. THE NEW AND FUTURE PRODUCTION FUND Supports the creation of new productions designed and conceived specifically for Des Moines Metro Opera’s stage, tailored to the Company’s artistic vision. Donors may contribute in honor of specific types of repertory (for example, works by Mozart, American Opera, 21st Century Fund). This fund would also allow for investments in future productions. You can join those who have already given to the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN in any amount and in many ways. Every gift makes a difference. We are grateful for your consideration of this opportunity to strengthen the future of the art form you love and support. Please contact Tim McMillin, Director of Advancement, to discuss participating in the campaign. Email: tmcmillin@dmmo.org Call: 515-961-6221 Online: desmoinesmetroopera.org/50next


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ADD YOUR VOICE

Thank you to those who have already participated in the 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN. Join them now!

$2,000,000 & above

$25,000-$49,999

Additional Support

Nix and Virginia Lauridsen */ Lauridsen Family Foundation

Sue Rutledge Brenton and J.C. (Buz) Brenton

Patricia Barry and Bryan Hall

W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust

Mary Beh

$1,500,000-$1,999,999

Selma Duvick Trust

Virginia Bennett in memory of E. James Bennett *

EMC Insurance Companies

Elizabeth and Jared Carter

Julia Hagen

Carrie Clogg and Josh Barlage

Rusty Hubbell Family Fund

Carolyn Ely Coffman in memory of Lawrence Ely *

Jerilee M. Mace and T. J. Johnsrud

Charles Edwards, Jr. *

Edward and Elizabeth Mansfield

Bennett and Leisa Ely in memory of Lawrence Ely

$500,000-$999,999

Brent and Ann Michelson

Dorothy J. Ely in memory of Lawrence Ely

Charlotte and Fred Hubbell *

Phil and Judy Watson

Larry and Cheryl Ely in memory of Lawrence Ely

Robert L. Larsen Estate

Krenio Wright in honor of David Wright *

Stephen Ely in memory of Lawrence Ely

Linda and Thomas K. Koehn *

$1,000,000-$1,499,999 Frank R. Brownell III

Nancy Main * Dr. Craig and Kimberly Shadur *

$10,000-$24,999

Thomas and Rita Fisher * Gary G. Gerlach and Karen A. Conner *

Bobbie Adelman Trust

Dylan Lampe

Dr. Barbara Beatty

Liz Lidgett and Nick Renkoski

Roger and Kay Berger Bob and Ardene Downing

Patricia and Charles Matteson in memory of Lawrence Ely

Marshall Flapan

Thomas and Nancy McKlveen *

Robert L. Gomez Estate

Dru McLuen

John C. and Fay G. Hill

Sheila A. Meginnis

Carol Johnson Trust

Jeffrey Morgan *

$100,000-$249,999

Joshua and Susie Kimelman

Colin Pennycooke

Kate and Tom Carey

Marla Lacey and Steve Znerold in honor of Wendy Carlson *

Jason and Emily Pontius

The Laverty Foundation

Arlen and Jean Schrum

Tom and Marsha Mann

Dr. Stephen and Martha Stephenson

Tim McMillin and Seth Robb

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson

$50,000-$99,999

Diane Morain

Paxton Williams

Mollie and Britt Baker

Steve and Erna Morain

BRAVO Greater Des Moines

Scott D. Naig and Dana Quick-Naig

Barbara and Fred Brown

John and Mary Pappajohn

William L. Dawe III and Sheila K. Tipton *

Joan and David Paulsrud

Easter Family Foundation in memory of Don Easter *

Marilu and V.V. Raman

In memory of sisters Nancy Garst and Mary Garst Liz Garst Dr. Sarah Garst Tim Lee Andrew Garst Hannah Davis Sam Garst and Robin Kohles Home State Bank Raccoon Valley Bank

Marilyn Vernon Family *

$250,000-$499,999 The Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Charitable Foundation Janis and John Ruan III/ John Ruan Foundation Trust Stan and Mary Seidler */The Seidler Foundation Chérie and Bob Shreck *

Dr. John Graether in memory of Irene Graether Daniel M. and Mary Kelly * Daniel J. and Ann L. Krumm Charitable Trust

Barbara and Michael Gartner * The Graham Group Paul Meginnis, II Samuel B. and Sarah O'Brien Prairie Meadows Susan E. and Carl B. Voss * John K. and Denise A. Wieland Carleton and Barbara Zacheis

John Schmidt and Deb Wiley John and Peggy Wild

$5,000-$9,999 Michael Egel James and Catherine Erickson * Charles Farr * Bob and Betsy Freese Joe and Carrie Hall Scott Harrington and Katherine Riley Harrington Dr. Bruce Hughes and Dr. Randall Hamilton * Annette Isaacson *

Craig and Susan Porter

The following have made an estate gift known to Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation in support of the 50 NEXT Campaign, securing their legacy of support Anonymous (6) Achilles Avraamides and Dilys Morris Frank R. Brownell III Julia Hagen Lawrence and Carolyn Hejtmanek Dr. Darren R. Jirsa Mary Keithahn Robert L. Larsen Estate Middleton Family Stanley Ransom Arnold Samuel John Schmidt and Deb Wiley Dr. Craig and Kimberly Shadur

William and Pauline Niebur * Jim and Jeanne O'Halloran * Michael Patterson Bernie and Linda White

* Past President of the Board


50 Next: GIVING VOICE TO THE FUTURE 50 NEXT CAMPAIGN CABINET

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HONORARY DIRECTORS

HONORARY CHAIRS

OFFICERS

Linda and Tom Koehn

President Virginia Croskery Lauridsen

Mary Beh Pat Brown Frank R. Brownell III James M. Collier Patty Cownie * Ardene Downing Chuck Farr * Barbara Gartner * Jo Ghrist Bryan Hall Charlotte Hubbell * Shirlie Katzenberger Mary Kelly * Linda Koehn * Jerilee M. Mace Nancy Main * Elvin McDonald James O'Halloran * Janis Ruan Mary Seidler * Chérie Shreck * Judy Watson

CABINET MEMBERS Mollie Baker Virginia Croskery Lauridsen Nancy Main Craig Shadur Chérie Shreck Susan E. Voss

STAFF The Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director Michael Egel The Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor David Neely Director of Advancement Tim McMillin Director of Business and Finance Elaine Raleigh Director of Marketing and Public Relations Scott Arens Director of Production Bearclaw Hart Art Director Kimberly Dragelevich Guest Services Manager and Education Coordinator Kaylah Hicok Administrative Assistant Chari Kruse Orchestra Personnel and Operations Manager Mark Dorr The Irene Graether Chorus Master and Director of the Apprentice Artist Program Lisa Hasson

President-Elect Emily Pontius Vice-president of Development Darren Jirsa Treasurer Karen Shinn Secretary Ann J. Michelson At-large Mollie Baker Timothy J. Krumm Immediate Past President Susan E. Voss *

DIRECTORS Tony Braida Elizabeth Carter Carrie Clogg Elizabeth Freese Bryan Hall Scott Harrington Rusty Hubbell Joshua Kimelman Dylan Lampe Liz Lidgett Nancy Main * Adrienne McFarland * Scott Naig Craig Porter Craig Shadur * Chérie Shreck * Stephen Stephenson Jacqueline Thompson Sheila Tipton * John Wild Paxton Williams Julia Hagen (ex-Officio) * Past President of the Board

106 West Boston Avenue Indianola, IA 50125-1836 P: (515) 961-6221 E: dmmo@dmmo.org W: desmoinesmetroopera.org

FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS President Susan E. Voss * President-Elect Virginia Croskery Lauridsen Treasurer Denise Wieland Secretary Barbara Cappaert

TRUSTEES Harry Bookey Austin Fisher Diane Morain Colin Pennycooke Emily Pontius John Schmidt Craig Shadur *

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