The Frank R. Brownell III
APPRENTICE ARTIST
Des Moines Metro Opera's mission calls us to lead the way in developing the next generation of singers. We do that through an Apprentice Artist Program that is nationally recognized as one of the oldest and finest programs of its type. Through an intense seven-week training program, these young singers develop the tools needed to bridge the gap between their academic preparation and professional career in opera. Their daily schedules are filled with rehearsals, specialized training and coaching sessions, concerts, and scenes presentations. The Company has assembled a staff of talented conductors, coaches and directors to help guide each singer’s development. Michael Egel and Program Director Lisa Hasson work all year long to ensure that the Apprentice Artist Program remains a distinguished, in-depth learning and performing opportunity. The roster for the 2021 Summer Festival includes young singers representing 22 states. Forty-two were chosen from nearly 1,000 applicants. For most, their journey to Iowa began in the fall of 2019 with auditions for the 2020 Summer Festival Season. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of that season, the 42 singers, instead, participated in a rigorous eight-week
virtual program that included digital scene performances, voice lessons, numerous weekly sessions with industry leaders, and culminated in a class by The Metropolitan Opera Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Each artist was paid their full fee for 2020 and offered a new, additional contract to return for the 2021 Summer Festival. Of the 42 artists, 35 were able to accept, and seven new artists were engaged to join the roster for the 2022 season. Beginning this season the program will be named the Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program thanks to a $1 million leadership gift. Frank has been the annual benefactor of the program for over ten years, and his support for and belief in the next generation of singers has enabled the program to continue to grow and excel. His support has secured the future of the program and allowed the company to increase access to singers across the nation by removing the financial barrier of audition fees while improving the stipend offered to selected singers, making such a transformative apprentice experience possible for many exceptionally talented artists who might not otherwise be able to be with us.
MANFRED ANAYA
BRANDON BELL
ELANA BELL
GEORGIA BELMONT
Tenor, Los Angeles, CA Tchaplitsky (cover), The Queen of Spades
Baritone, Suffolk, VA General Arlie/Bartender, Hawkins Fuller (cover), Fellow Travelers Momus (cover), Platée
Mezzo-Soprano, New York, NY Juno (study cover), Platée
Soprano, New York, NY DMMO DEBUT
DMMO DEBUT
RECENT L’enfant et les Sortilèges Rice University Frida, Opera Steamboat The Ballad of Baby Doe, Opera in the Ozarks
DMMO DEBUT RECENT La Traviata, Dayton Opera Falstaff, University of Cincinnati-CCM Eugene Onegin, Independent OPERA SPONSORS Carol and Eric Weber
RECENT The Tragedy of Carmen, Silent Night, Utah Opera Breaking the Waves, West Edge Opera SPONSOR John Graether
RECENT L’enfant et les Sortilèges, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra The Bartered Bride, University of Cincinnati-CCM The Marriage of Figaro, Music Academy of the West SPONSORS Dennis and Betty Keeney
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SPONSORS Jane and Steve Bahls
