Des Moines Metro Opera Featured in Opera with Opera News (May 2026 Issue)
“A Daring Vision for Des Moines” is how opera critic Mark Thomas Ketterson titles his conversation with Des Moines Metro Opera’s (DMMO) General and Artistic Director Michael Egel in the May 2026 issue of Opera with Opera News. The profile traces Egel’s leadership and the company’s continued growth, building on the legacy of founder Robert Larsen, described in the article as “a true visionary.”
Reflecting on Egel’s impact, Marc A. Scorca, president emeritus/CEO of Opera America, notes: “Michael Egel has guided Des Moines Metro Opera into a new life cycle characterized by bold repertoire, excellent productions and outstanding casting. Under his leadership DMMO has emerged as a destination festival for opera-lovers from across the country. He has excellent taste and an unstoppable commitment to the community and the art form.”
The article points to repertory expansion as a defining element of that leadership. As Egel explains, “A new vision was needed… Expanding the repertory was the answer.” He continues, “I committed to at least one, if not two operas every season that would be company premieres.”
That artistic approach is matched by a strong and engaged audience base. “The Des Moines audience is very adventuresome. That has been carefully cultivated from the beginning.” Egel adds, “We are in a position now that we can program virtually anything and sell in the upper 90 per cent of house capacity… We’re able to sell out houses without a ‘top ten’ opera in the season.”
The profile also reflects on the collaborative environment that supports this work. Recalling his experience at DMMO, bass-baritone Christian Van Horn shares: “I was extremely struck at what a high level of art we made… I felt very supported by the company. Michael’s steady leadership fostered that level of professionalism. There was a family vibe mixed with old-school leadership curated to modern challenges.”
Ketterson closes the article with Egel’s perspective on the broader role of opera and where it can thrive: “The greatest performances and the best singing need not only belong in America’s largest cities… They can be in the most unusual, unexpected places—like here in the middle of Iowa. And they can belong to everybody.”
The May issue of Opera with Opera News is available to read online through a digital subscription. Patrons are encouraged to subscribe to read the full profile and explore engaging and widespread coverage from across the international opera field.
