October's Guild Chapter Meetings

Ames Chapter Launches Season With The Overture Potluck

The Ames Chapter's 2009-2010 programs got off to a great start on September 13 with its annual Overture Potluck. Seventy-two members and guests attended. We were particularly happy to have six guests from the DMMO Office: Robert Montana, the new Managing Director of DMMO; Michael Egel, the new Director of Artistic Operations; Dennis Hendrickson and his wife Melinda; and Chari Kruse and her husband Matt. The main activities of the evening were conversation, good food, and an overview of the 2010 season presented by Michael Egel.

Des Moines Chapter Is Off To A Great Start

The Des Moines Chapter hosted their first event of the season on September 14 with a kick-off party at West End Architectural Salvage building. There was a very strong turn-out with over 100 people in attendance at the event. The event featured live jazz by the Bill Martin Trio, an aria "Ain't It a Pretty Night" from the opera Susannah by Carlisle Floyd sung by Kimberly Roberts and accompanied by Cara Chowning. Several speakers welcomed former and future Guild Members including: Jared Hall, co-president of Des Moines Chapter; Bill Niebur, president of the DMMO Board of Directors; and Dr. Robert Larsen, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of DMMO.

Click here to see photos from the event.

Indianola Chapter Hosts A Successful Kick-Off

Beautiful fall weather, Ardene and Bob Downing’s warm hospitality, and Simpson student Abby Rethwisch’s arias from The Marriage of Figaro combined to make the Indianola Guild Chapter’s fall kick-off memorable and fun. Serving as Abby’s accompanist was our special guest Dr. Larsen. This time the men almost outnumbered the women in attendance! To be sure, both men and women enjoyed the wine and food as well as the chance to reconnect with Guild friends. The Indianola Chapter is, indeed, off to a good start for the year.

John Michael Moore To Sing With The Minnesota Opera

DMMO favorite, John Michael Moore, will be singing the role of Lorenzo in Casanova's Homecoming in November. Reviews of previous performances of this opera have said it is one of the best new operas.

Performances are scheduled for November 14, 17, 19, 21, and 22 in St. Paul. I hope many of you will be able to attend one of the performances to show support for John.

Secure Your Seats for DMMO's 2010 Season--Order Your Season Tickets Now!

Current subscribers can renew their subscriptions and lock in their preferred seats right now! If you had season tickets last year, you should have already received information about renewing your subscription. If you haven't gotten your brochure, contact our Box Office Manager, Dennis Hendrickson, at (515) 961-6221 or dhendrickson@dmmo.org right away!

New subscribers can purchase season tickets for the 2010 productions of The Marriage of Figaro, Macbeth and Susannah beginning on November 2. Subscriptions range in price from $99 to $230 and are a great way to make sure that you get the best seats available on your preferred dates.

Season subscriptions can be purchased or renewed online or by phone at (515) 961-6221.

Mark Your Calendars Now For Upcoming Events

Iowa Edition: Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Idol!
The Des Moines Chapter will host a sneak peek screening of the Metropolitan Opera's "The Audition," a 2009 documentary that follows several young singers through the National Council Audition program. Hear from local experts what it takes to judge, present and prepare to perform in the Iowa District Metropolitan Auditions. For more information, please contact the DMMO Office at 515-961-6221 or email at dhendrickson@dmmo.org.
Date: November 9, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Fleur Cinema & Cafe (4545 Fleur Drive in Des Moines)
Wine, Beer, Soda, and concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby of the theater. A free will donation will be suggested at the door to cover the cost of the facility rental.

Holiday Party
The annual Guild Holiday Party is coming up! This year's event will be hosted by the Ames Chapter and will feature the Madrigal Singers from Simpson College. We hope that many members of the Des Moines and Indianola Chapters will be able to join us for this program.
Date: December 8, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: St. John's Episcopal Church (2338 Lincoln Way in Ames)