2025 FESTIVAL SEASON
JUNE 27 - JULY 20
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN
THE RAKE’S PROGRESS
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS an opera reimagined for film STARS OF TOMORROW a free concert for the community
Join us for the 2025 Festival Season
In the final review of our 2024 festival, Opera Today concluded, “I don’t say this lightly: This DMMO season was the finest festival I have ever attended. The artistic nurturing , the well-considered productions, the flawless casting, the well-judged repertoire, the attention to detail, the list of reasons is long... Next summer promises The Flying Dutchman, The Rake’s Progress, and The Cunning Little Vixen. Go. You’ll be glad you did."
Experience three world-class productions in the heart of Iowa this summer, brought to life by extraordinary artists in a theatre designed to bring you closer than ever to the action—sit any closer and you’ll need a costume! In our intimate 467-seat arena-style theatre, every seat is closer to the center of the stage than the first row at the Metropolitan Opera, offering an immersive and unmatched theatrical experience. As Alex Ross of The New Yorker put it, "Opera comes as close to straight theatre as I've seen it."
Enhance your experience with an al fresco dinner on the plaza surrounded by the natural beauty of the theatre’s dramatic hillside meadows (pictured), or reserve a table at the elegant indoor lobby restaurant. Warm up for every opera with a free pre-performance prelude talk, and cap off the night with a glass of champagne while mingling at the Afterglow on the plaza.
Join us for Festival 2025 and discover for yourself why audiences from around the world make Des Moines Metro Opera their summer opera destination.
“It is not only the artistic care and the excellence of the product that make this a must-see festival, it is the intimacy of the venue itself that is so engaging and compelling. There is no place else like it.” OPERA TODAY
The Lauridsen Family Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 season
TH E F LYING
D U TCHM A N
by RICHARD WAGNER
From its stormy overture to climactic finale, The Flying Dutchman lures you into its mysterious depths. The Dutchman, a ghostly sailor, is condemned to wander the waves for eternity. But every seventh year he disembarks to find a bride who can break his curse. In a small Norwegian fishing village, he fatefully encounters Senta, a young woman who is obsessed with the Dutchman’s legend. Can the power of love break the curse? How much must we sacrifice to bring about salvation?
Maestro David Neely leads this sweeping, evocative score which features epic choruses, thrilling orchestrations and a superstar cast headlined by bass-baritone Ryan McKinny in his DMMO debut as the Dutchman, with the long-awaited returns of soprano Julie Adams as Senta and tenor Joseph Dennis as Erik. Company favorite Joshua Borths makes his mainstage directing debut, charting the course of Richard Wagner’s return to the DMMO stage for the first time in nearly 40 years.
DALAND Kristopher Irmiter
MARY Stephanie Sanchez STEUERMANN Demetrious Sampson, Jr.
SCENIC DESIGNER Steven C. Kemp
PROJECTION DESIGNER Ian Wallace
WIG AND MAKEUP DESIGNER Brittany V.A. Rappise
DUTCHMAN Ryan McKinny
The Cunning Little Vixen
by LEOŠ JANAC ˇ ÉK
The tale of a quick-witted fox and her escape from confinement for a life in the forest is by turns joyful, witty, romantic and tragic. The Cunning Little Vixen follows the cycle of death and rebirth through the instinctive and immediate world of nature—animal and human, which Janáček loved so dearly. In this celebrated score, singers and orchestra embody the sounds of the forest, the feel of sunshine on your face and the thrill of a starlit sky.
Bursting with boundless invention, imaginative colors and a memorable cast of creatures, director Kristine McIntyre, visual image composer Oyoram and maestro David Neely reunite after their triumphant production of Bluebeard’s Castle to bring the vixen’s natural world to life. Vita Tzykun returns to join this creative team as costume designer, Luke Cantarella returns as scenic designer and Kate Ashton returns as Lighting Designer. Soprano Hera Hyesang Park debuts as the Vixen and Sun-Ly Pierce returns to the festival to make a role debut as the Fox.
FORESTER Roland Wood
PARSON/BADGER Craig Colclough
SCHOOLMASTER/MOSQUITO David Cangelosi
SCENIC DESIGNER Luke Cantarella
COSTUME DESIGNER Vita Tzykun
LIGHTING DESIGNER Kate Ashton
TheProRake’sgress
by IGOR STRAVINSKY
Inspired by William Hogarth’s famous series of paintings, Stravinsky’s
The Rake’s Progress charts one man’s path from pleasure to ruin. When the mysterious Nick Shadow appears, Tom Rakewell abandons his sweetheart, Anne Trulove, and leaves behind his country life for the temptations of the city. But London’s glittering promise soon dissolves as love, money and sanity slip farther and farther from his grasp. Can true love save him, or will the devil get the last laugh?
The Rake’s Progress is surely one of the 20th century’s most dazzling and original works—as if a Mozart opera wandered into a hall of mirrors. Comedy and tragedy are never far apart in this light-hearted work that can break your heart with the broadest of smiles. Jonas Hacker, Joélle Harvey and Sam Carl lead the cast in a new production by director Chas Rader-Shieber and scenic and costume designer Robert Perdziola, featuring the festival debut of conductor Christopher Allen.
BABA THE TURK Vivica Genaux
FATHER TRULOVE Matt Boehler
MOTHER GOOSE Meredith Arwady
SCENIC AND COSTUME DESIGNER Robert Perdziola
LIGHTING DESIGNER Connie Yun
WIG AND MAKEUP DESIGNER Brittany V.A. Rappise
TOM RAKEWELL
Jonas Hacker
ANNE TRULOVE Joélle Harvey
NICK SHADOW
Sam Carl
7/18 1:00p 7/12 1:00p
Presented at the Varsity Cinema 1207 25th St, Des Moines
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS
by GORDON GETTY
In partnership with the Varsity Cinema, Des Moines Metro Opera is excited to present two screenings of Gordon Getty’s new opera, reimagined for film, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, as an add-on for festival season audiences.
Based on the popular 1934 novella Goodbye, Mr. Chips and other stories by James Hilton, the opera tells the story of a teacher at Brookfield, an all-boys English boarding school to which Mr. Chipping—known to his students as "Mr. Chips”—dedicates most of his adult life. The film chronicles Mr. Chips’ story of love, loss and learning over his decades-long tenure at Brookfield.
The screenings of Goodbye, Mr. Chips will be held in the beautifully restored Varsity Cinema in Des Moines. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase at varsitydesmoines.com or 515-259-0167.
"Getty’s score is characteristically rich, layered and long-arced, with especially exquisite string voicings, vivid base lines, and a number of lovely and affecting motivic recurrences." – La Scena Musicale
MERRIVALE Lester Lynch
RALSTON/RIVERS Kevin Short
WEST Tristan Carless
MAYNARD William Lewis
GRAYSON Xander Vazquez
FAULKNER Alex Cook
LINFORD Ilan Cassian-Issenberg
ADULT MAYNARD Sam Faustine
MR. CHIPS
Nathan Granner KATHIE Marnie Breckenridge
Gordon Getty
Nicole Paiement
Brian Staufenbiel
7/19 2:00p
STARS OF TOMORROW
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as opera's rising stars take center stage at Drake University's Sheslow Auditorium, performing the hits of opera alongside DMMO's acclaimed Festival Orchestra.
Des Moines Metro Opera is proud to present Stars of Tomorrow as a free concert for the community, sharing the beauty of opera and transformative power of the arts with audiences of all ages.
To secure your free tickets, reserve online at dmmo.org/stars or call the Box Office at 515-209-3257.
ADDITIONAL APPRENTICE CONCERTS
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT
Saturday, May 31 | 6:30PM
Meet the members of the 2025 Apprentice Artist Program for the first time as they kick off the summer festival, singing their signature arias in the lobby of the Blank Performing Arts Center.
APPRENTICE SCENE PROGRAMS
Saturday, June 28 | 2PM
Saturday, July 5 | 2PM
Thursday, July 17 | 2PM
The Apprentice Artists take the spotlight for three scene programs of fully staged excerpts from across the operatic spectrum! All scene programs are free and open to the public and held in Lekberg Hall in the Amy Robertson Music Center on the campus of Simpson College.
OPERA DINING
CAFÉ LOBBY DINING
Enhance your Des Moines Metro Opera experience by enjoying our own gourmet restaurant located in the secluded air-conditioned comfort of the lobby of the Blank Performing Arts Center. Each dinner is themed for the opera performance you'll see that evening! Menus and table reservations will be available beginning April 15 at 10am.
Please note: Cafe Lobby Dining is not available before Sunday matinees. Visit dmmo.org/dining to learn more.
À LA CARTE DINING
Create your own delicious meal from an assortment of sandwiches, salads and other goodies from local vendors and enjoy at any of our outdoor dining areas under the shade sails in the theatre plaza. We have curated a wide variety of options that include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items.
À La Carte Dining items will be available at the outdoor concessions beginning two hours before every performance. No pre-order or reservation is required.
BEFORE AND AFTER THE SHOW
SHUTTLE SERVICE Book a round-trip shuttle from Des Moines or Ames directly to the performance site. Round-trip tickets are $15. Opera tickets sold separately. Visit dmmo.org/shuttle or call the Box Office at 515-209-3257 to secure your seat.
OPERA PRELUDE TALK
Explore the fascinating story behind each opera production presented by DMMO's Company Dramaturg Joshua Borths. The complimentary opera prelude talks begin 45 minutes before the show in room 202 at the Blank Performing Arts Center.
POST-SHOW AFTERGLOW
Continue the celebration immediately following each performance with singers, audience members and production personnel for the Afterglow in the Outdoor Plaza. Refreshments and goodies from the outdoor concessions stand will be available for purchase.
FESTIVAL CALENDAR
TICKETS
SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES
See all three subscription series operas—The Flying Dutchman, The Cunning Little Vixen and The Rake’s Progress—to take advantage of savings off individual ticket prices. Plus, earn benefits like free date exchanges, monthly payment plans and more! Subscriber tickets will be mailed in early May. Weekend packages are selling out quickly, so secure your subscription soon!
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Select-your-own tickets are now available for The Flying Dutchman, The Cunning Little Vixen and The Rake’s Progress. Prices may change based on availability. Tickets will be mailed in early May.
ADD-ON TICKETS
ARTIST RECITAL: Sun-Ly Pierce & Allen Perriello
$55/Grand Showcase
$150/Reserve Experience March 7 at 6pm
$30/adults
$10/students April 27 at 3pm
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS $20 July 12 & 18 at 1pm
SHUTTLE SERVICE from Ames & Des Moines
$15/person
June 27, 28, 29 July 5, 6, 13
TICKETING INFORMATION
EXCHANGES
Exchanges must occur at least 24 hours in advance of the affected performance. Seating is subject to availability. Subscribers may exchange tickets at no additional cost. Single ticket buyers incur a $10 exchange fee. A price increase may be incurred based upon performance date (no refunds for lower priced dates).
SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT & PAYMENT PLANS
Subscribers may opt-in to a monthly payment plan for their season tickets. To set yours up, call the Box Office at 515-209-3257.
SPECIAL PRICING
Students, educators and military personnel can receive a special ticket discount by calling the Box Office at 515-209-3257.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Blank Performing Arts Center is ADA accessible. Please let the Box Office know of any needs in advance. Call the Box Office at 515-209-3257 for more information.
INSTANT TRANSLATIONS
Every mainstage performance (including operas sung in English) features English translations projected above the stage in two locations, enabling our audience to follow along in real time.
FEES & REFUNDS
No refunds or cancellations. Casts, repertory and ticket prices are subject to change. The credit card processing fee is $5 per order for single tickets and $10 per order for subscriptions. Full ticketing and box office information can be found at dmmo.org/boxoffice.
TO ORDER
BY PHONE: 515-209-3257 (MON - FRI, 9:00AM-4:00PM CT)
ONLINE: DMMO.ORG/TICKETS OR SCAN THE QR CODE
HOTEL PARTNERS
HOTEL POMMIER
1215 N Jefferson Way, Indianola | 515-961-0551 | hotelpommier.com
You deserve local hospitality. At Hotel Pommier our guests enjoy friendly service, generous amenities and a break from cookie cutter hotel chains. We are local ambassadors who go the extra mile to ensure our guests enjoy everything Indianola has to offer. Get 10% off your booking by using the code DMMO25 when ordering online or over the phone.
SURETY HOTEL 206 6th Ave, Des Moines | 515-985-2066
A boutique hotel situated in beautifully refurbished, historic bank in downtown Des Moines. With unmatched service and a deep commitment to your comfort, Surety offers simply sumptuous guestrooms, a contemporary tavern, and several stunning gathering spaces, all created to set a new standard in Des Moines and beyond. Receive a discount by requesting the "Des Moines Metro Opera rate" by calling 515-985-2066 or email reservations@suretyhotel.com.
To see the full listing of hotel recommendations, visit dmmo.org/hotel.
WINE BEER FOOD SHOWCASE
PRESENTED BY TRUBANK
Friday, March 7 | 6-9PM
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Avenue
Started in 1985, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase is Iowa’s premier food and beverage tasting event and has become a yearly favorite for foodies, wine lovers and beer enthusiasts alike! Featuring over 40 of the finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase is Des Moines Metro Opera’s signature fundraiser.
At the event, patrons may also partake in a silent auction filled with packages that can only be found at Wine, Food & Beer Showcase. All proceeds raised throughout the evening support Des Moines Metro Opera’s award-winning education and community engagement programs, which annually reach over 25,000 students.
All-inclusive tickets: $55 – $150 dmmo.org/WFBS or 515-209-3257
ARTIST IN RECITAL: Sun-Ly Pierce
WITH ALLEN PERRIELLO, PIANO
Saturday, May 3 | 3PM Plymouth Church 4126 Ingersoll Ave
Join us for a recital featuring mezzosoprano Sun-Ly Pierce and pianist Allen Perriello. The 2024 Operalia Award finalist delighted DMMO audiences as last season’s Rosina in The Barber of Seville and comes to Des Moines for an intimate afternoon musical program before returning this summer to portray the Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen $30/adults and $10/students dmmo.org/recital or 515-209-3257 or at the door.
SAVE THE DATE OPERA GALA
Saturday, June 7 | 5:30PM
Krause Gateway Center, Des Moines
Join Des Moines Metro Opera as we celebrate the 2025 Festival Season with an elegant evening featuring a cocktail hour, plated meal and highlighted performances from mainstage artists. The Opera Gala will be held in one of Des Moines' most distinguished recent architectural additions—the Krause Gateway Center, designed by the internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano, and located across from the striking views of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Corporate and patron sponsorship packages are currently available for purchase at dmmo.org/gala. Individual tickets go on sale March 15.
SEASON EVENTS
MAY 31 OPERA PREVIEW
2:00PM | Franklin Ave Library, Des Moines
Enjoy a preview of The Flying Dutchman presented at and in partnership with the Franklin Avenue Library. FREE
MAY 31 APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT CONCERT
6:30PM | Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola
DMMO’s acclaimed Apprentice Artists, selected from a national audition process, open the season in the Blank Performing Arts Center lobby singing their signature arias. FREE
JUNE 6 & 7 PICNIC & PUCCINI FAMILY ADVENTURE
10:00AM | Blank Performing Arts Center, Indianola
Join us for this family opera adventure that includes a tour of the theatre, a special performance of The Billy Goats Gruff and lunch. $12 (cash/check) or $15 (online), dmmo.org/picnic
JUNE 7 OPERA GALA
5:30PM | Krause Gateway Center, Des Moines
JUNE 14 THREADS AND TRILLS
11:30AM | Wakonda Club, Des Moines
Enjoy a delicious lunch and captivating arias as special guests model some of DMMO’s most extravagant costumes. $55/person, dmmo.org/threads
JUNE 14 OPERA PREVIEW
2:00PM | Franklin Ave Library, Des Moines
Enjoy a preview of The Cunning Little Vixen and The Rake's Progress presented at and in partnership with the Franklin Avenue Library. FREE
JUNE 28, JULY 5, JULY 17 APPRENTICE SCENE PROGRAMS
2:00PM | Lekberg Recital Hall, Amy Robertson Music Center, Indianola
The 2025 Apprentice Artists take the spotlight in fully staged excerpts from across the operatic spectrum. All scene programs will be held in Lekberg Recital Hall in the Amy Robertson Music Center on the campus of Simpson College. FREE
JULY 19 STARS OF TOMORROW
2:00PM | Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University, Des Moines
Visit dmmo.org/events for a full calendar | Dates and times subject to change, times are CT
