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Ames Chapter Update
On Sunday, March 22, the Ames Chapter presented their biennial "Arias in Ames" as a fundraiser for DMMO. The featured singers this year were the eight talented members of the OPERA Iowa troupe -- Stephen Fish, Lucas Goodrich, Roland Hawkins, Patrick McNally, Jami Rhodes, Aaaron Sorensen, Kristin Titus, and Ami Vice -- accompanied by Joshua Pepper, Music Director of OPERA Iowa, on the piano. Michael Egel, Director of Education for DMMO, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Selections included arias, art songs, and songs from the Broadway stage, all of which were enjoyed immensely by the audience. Following the performance, a reception was held which included delicious food and the opportunity for audience members to meet the delightful Opera Iowa singers. Everyone had a wonderful time and we raised almost $2500 to support DMMO.
Click here to see more photos from Arias in Ames.
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| Ames Chapter Presents a Musical Gourmet Evening
May 23, 2009, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm
The evening will begin with a dinner comprised of small plates and "heavy" appetizers with wine and other non-alcoholic beverages hosted by 6 Guild members in their homes.
Then at 8:00 pm, we'll all gather for a performance by Kate Crist at the Northcrest Green Room. Ms. Crist is a soprano and Simpson College graduate, is the Metropolitan Opera Auditions winner for the Iowa District and the Upper Midwest Regionals.
Following the performance, scrumptious desserts and beverages will be served in the Northcrest Dining Room
Tickets are just $40.00 per person ($20 is tax-deductible).
Space is limited to just 72 participants. Attendees will be assigned to homes for the appetizer dinner by ticket number.
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Opera Appreciation Class
Whether you're an opera buff or a complete newcomer, it is fascinating to learn about opera from people who produce and star in Des Moines Metro Opera productions. DMMO and Senior College of Greater Des Moines are jointly offering a three-session Opera Appreciation class, starting June 25 at the Simpson College Learning Center in West Des Moines.
DMMO staff members will present background and color on the operas for this year. Principal artists will share insights into their lives as performers. The final class will feature a question and answer session with Dr. Robert Larson, founder and Artistic Director of DMMO.
Opera Appreciation will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on June 25, July 2 and July 16 at the Simpson College Learning Center, 3737 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The cost is $30, plus the optional purchase of tickets to see this year's productions: Rossini's effervescent The Barber of Seville, Puccini's masterful Tosca, and Carl Maria von Weber's rarely performed Der Freischütz.
Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Senior College for a catalog, (515) 244-0631, or visit www.myseniorcollege.com.
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| What's Going On Around Us
Chicago Opera Theater:
Mozart's La clemenza di Tito (April 18, 21, 26, 29 and May 1)
Bizet's La Tragédie de Carmen (May 2, 5, 10, 13 and 15)
Britten's Owen Wingrave (May 16, 20, 22, 24 and 26)
Minnesota Opera:
Rossini's The Barber of Seville (April 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance (April 25, 27, 29, May 1, 3)
Opera Omaha
Puccini's La bohème (April 15, 17, 19)
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Know the Score with Iowa Public Radio
Iowa Public Radio will be in Indianola to do a live broadcast of their "Know the Score" program featuring Des Moines Metro Opera on Friday, April 10, from 7 to 9 pm and you are invited to be a part of it!
The program's host, Joan Kjaer, will lead a discussion featuring Dr. Robert Larsen and William Farlow that will cover topics from DMMO's history to details of this summer's operas. There will be segments highlighting the music of the three operas, as well as time for questions from the audience. You can submit your question by sending an email to McB McManus.
There are a limited number of seats available in the recording hall. Contact McB by phone at (515) 961-6221 or click here to reserve your seat.
The program will be braodcast on the stations of Iowa Public Radio's Classical Service (WOI-FM, KSUI, KHKE, and KUNZ) on Friday, April 10 from 7-9 pm and again on Sunday, April 12 from 11 am-1 pm.
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Behind the Scenes at DMMO
by Fred Brown
When we think about opera we usually think first about the people whose work is apparent on stage -- the director, the singers, the orchestra, the set designer. But the production would not go on without many others whose work is not so readily apparent. In the case of DMMO this includes a group of dedicated people who work year round in the Indianola office.
Although many Guild members have had contacts with these people, often it is brief, as in a phone call about tickets or a word at one of the performances. Because of their vital work in ensuring the quality of DMMO productions, I thought we should become better acquainted with them. This month our interview is with Chari Kruse, the Company's Administrative Assistant.
Chari, your job at DMMO is Administrative Assistant. I know you are involved with just about every facet of the Company. What are all the responsibilities of your position?
My title is Administrative Assistant - which means I do whatever is needed and assist all staff in "secretary" duties. I answer the phone, greet visitors, maintain office equipment, supplies & the building, prepare bulk mailings, take care of the Board of Directors files and mailings, and take ticket orders. I do lot of work with the OPERA Iowa tour - maintain the tour database and school files, mail teaching materials, arrange hotels, coordinate apartments and housing and arrange with schools for the troupe's arrival and set-up. During the season I assist the Business Manager with the check-in and housing of cast and crew. I am also the House Manager at the theatere - recruiting and training ushers and timing intermissions.
Tell us how you happened to join the staff at DMMO.
In the fall of 1997, Denise Core announced at church choir that DMMO was looking for someone temporary to help in the box office with Tosca ticket sales. I have worked part-time for the Company ever since.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being associated with DMMO?
I grew up in Indianola and enjoy working with the public. I also like getting to know the many talented artists who come to Indianola.
Tell us about something that you have achieved at DMMO that has given you great satisfaction.
I really like working with the OPERA Iowa tour - from working with the costumes and singers to dealing with the schools/teachers. I feel like DMMO is making a difference in the small schools of Iowa and giving these students something many might never enjoy otherwise.
Do you have musical training, talents, or skills? If so, tell us about them.
I sang and played piano and violin all through school. I was a piano major/voice minor in college (Iowa State and Simpson College) for a while but didn't get a degree in music. I have 24 years experience as a church handbell choir director and 14 years experience as a church youth choir director. I also perform as a solo handbell ringer.
What is your favorite opera(s)? Why is it your favorite?
There are many I like, but my favorites would be Street Scene and Turandot. I'm not sure what makes them my favorites, there's the music of course but also the singers we had "moved" me with their performances.
Have you ever performed in an opera(s)? Which one(s)? Which role(s)?
No, I'm more of the backstage type - I love working with costumes and have coordinated the OPERA Iowa costumes for the past eight years.
What are your interests when not on the job? How do you relax?
I have two sons who have kept my husband and me very busy with school activities. I have logged many hours sitting in bleachers for baseball, football and track, as well as in the auditorium for band, orchestra and vocal concerts. Now that they are both in college (one at the US Air Force Academy and one at the University of Iowa) I enjoy reading, gardening, traveling and motorcycling.
Tell something else about yourself or your job at DMMO that would be of interest to Guild members.
Since I grew up in Indianola and was involved in music from a very early age, I attended opera performances from the beginning of DMMO. I was friends with the daughter of Janice Hanson, who taught at Simpson in the early 1970's. I remember watching opera in the old chapel, Great Hall and then the new Pote Theatre when I was in elementary school and junior high. I ushered for DMMO throughout high school.
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Mark Your Calendars for Season Events
As always, there are many, many events in addition to our three mainstage productions that make up DMMO's Summer Festival Season. There is something for everyone and we're looking forward to seeing you! You can order tickets online at www.desmoinesmetroopera.org or by calling our box office at (515) 961-6221.
May 29, 7:00pm
Cabaret Night Live
Hosted by the one and only Wicker Van Orsdel and held at The Temple for Performing Arts, Cabaret Night Live is an evening of standards and show tunes mixed with musical favorites from Broadway and American opera presented by DMMO's talented James Collier Apprentice Artists. Tickets are $50 per person.
May 23--6:30 pm at Blank Performing Arts Center
May 31--1:30 pm at the Art Center
June 3, 6, 11, 13, 20, 24, 27, July 4--1:30 pm at Lekberg Hall
July 2--7:00 pm at the Des Moines Social Club (One-Acts: Abu Hassan by Carl Maria von Weber, Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini)
Apprentice Artist Scenes Programs
Drawn from every corner of the repertory, this free scenes series provides the James Collier Apprentice Artists and opera lovers with an opportunity to delve into the study of the music and the characters under the guidance of a stage director and a musical coach.
June 10, 12:00pm
Threads & Trills Costume Show and Luncheon
Opera fans get a sneak peek at the costumes from the season's operas while enjoying arias and duets sung by principal artists from each show at the Jordan Creek Holiday Inn. Lunch is included with the purchase of a $40 ticket.
June 11 & 13, 11:30am
Peanut Butter & Puccini
Our annual family opera adventure includes a tour of the theater, a special performance of a kid-friendly opera and a peanut butter sack lunch. Tickets are just $10 per person.
June 20, 5:00pm
Der Freischütz Opening night gala dinner
Join us in the dining tent for the opening night, pre-performance gala dinner for Der Freischütz. Tickets are $100; a limited quantity of opera tickets can be purchased separately. Black tie optional.
June 23, 6:00pm
Vino & Verdi
See how opera goes from the page to the stage with a behind-the-scenes look into the rehearsal process, a backstage tour and insider's notes from the production staff at this unique event presented by The OPERAtors. The event is free, but reservations are required.
June 28 & July 5, 7:30pm
Chamber Music Concerts
DMMO's resident Festival Orchestra takes center stage for this series of free concerts in Lekberg Hall.
July 7, 1:00pm
Sherrill Milnes Masterclass
World-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes will present a masterclass within the James Collier Apprentice Artist Program, working with individual singers on musical and dramatic interpretations. Held in Lekberg Hall, this class is open to the public.
July 9, 7:00pm
Stars of Tomorrow Gala Recital
DMMO's acclaimed James Collier Apprentice Artists shine as they are accompanied by the Festival Orchestra in the annual Stars of Tomorrow concert, presenting arias, duets and ensembles at Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and include a dessert reception with the artists following the concert.
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