The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced the passing of founder and Artistic Director Emeritus Robert L. Larsen. Larsen grew up in Walnut, Iowa before attending Simpson College and the University of Michigan, then returning to Simpson College as a faculty member and earning his doctorate in music at Indiana University before beginning work to found the Des Moines Metro Opera in 1973. General and Artistic Director Michael Egel said of Larsen’s passing:
“Today the world lost a visionary and an artist, and our Company has lost a guiding light. The thousands of musicians, friends and colleagues who knew, learned from and interacted with this singular and remarkable man over his 50+ years were forever changed. We are all richer for the experience of having learned, worked and performed alongside him. His legacy is immense. Nothing will quite be the same again.”
The Des Moines Metro Opera will host a Memorial Concert to celebrate Larsen at a future date.To view the full history of Larsen, as well as visitation information, click below.