“Damien Geter and Lila Palmer's American Apollo gives voice to a pivotal figure in American art: Thomas Eugene McKeller, a Black hotel worker who served as model and muse for famous portraitist John Singer Sargent. Themes of erasure, the white gaze and the nature of the relationship between the two men are explored in this powerful new work which makes its full-length world premiere at Des Moines Metro Opera in 2024.”

“Get ready for a rollicking fiesta of sunny Seville madness as Rossini’s celebrated, razor-sharp comedy returns to our stage in riotous technicolor. Featuring some of opera’s most familiar and show-stopping tunes, The Barber of Seville is a must-see treat for the eyes and ears!”

“Featuring members of Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra (SEISO) alongside San Francisco’s Ensemble Mik Nawooj, the Hip Hop Orchestra Experience is part concert, dance party, and club night featuring original music that samples from classical and hip-hop—all presented in an underground setting like the New York scene that birthed hip-hop. The music uniquely challenges the MCs and classical musicians pushing the boundaries of both hip-hop and concert music, creating something completely new. The program includes seminal works of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, deconstructed and reimagined with funky rhythms and rapid-fire rhymes.”

“Enjoy a twist on the classic fairytale with the world premiere tour of Grétry and Borths' Beauty and the Beast! The characters of Belle’s world are obsessed with how they are perceived by the world around them. The Prince was the worst example of this until the Spirit of the Rose cursed him so that his body would reflect his soul, and everyone would see him for the beast he truly was. With the help of Belle, the Spirit of the Rose, and a magic mirror, the Beast will try to change his heart and break the curse.”

Various dates, tickets N/A

“She Breathes Fire” is a world premiere collaboration with composer Stacy Busch, No Divide KC, & Owen-Cox Dance Group. Inspired by folklore, fantasy and nature, “She Breathes Fire” offers its own folkloric tale seen through the eyes of women.”

“Imposters and hijinks abound in Puccini's charming one-act farce Gianni Schicchi (sung in English). After intermission, Robert Lindsey-Nassif's American Gothical takes center stage as a love letter to one of Iowa's most famous paintings.”

“Enjoy a twist on the classic fairytale with the world premiere tour of Grétry and Borths' Beauty and the Beast! The characters of Belle’s world are obsessed with how they are perceived by the world around them. The Prince was the worst example of this until the Spirit of the Rose cursed him so that his body would reflect his soul, and everyone would see him for the beast he truly was. With the help of Belle, the Spirit of the Rose, and a magic mirror, the Beast will try to change his heart and break the curse.”

“Quiet on the set! Così fan tutte... take 2! 🎬 Set in front of (and behind!) the cameras of a 1980s soap opera, this star-studded and shoulder-padded production empowers Mozart’s female characters like never before. With stage direction by Benjamin Robinson, this show delivers an unforgettable evening of drama, laughter and Mozart’s most magical melodies. Daniel Kleinknecht conducts the illustrious musicians of Orchestra Iowa.

Don’t miss the show before the show! 45 minutes before curtain, join University of Iowa Professor Anna Barker for a pre-opera talk in the Encore Lounge about the history of Mozart, the opera, and its glorious score.”