Des Moines Metro Opera’s General and Artistic Director Michael Egel announced the repertory for the company’s 50th Anniversary Season alongside the launch of the public phase of a $15 million fundraising campaign, 50 Next: Giving Voice to the Future. Performances this opera season include The Magic Flute, A Thousand Acres, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Porgy and Bess, and American Apollo. Porgy and Bess will honor Iowa native and international opera star, Simon Estes.

The launch of the public phase comes as DMMO has reached 85% of the $15 million goal. To date, $12.7 million in cash and estate gifts has been raised. With the launch of the public phase of this campaign, DMMO aims to exceed its goal of $15 million by the opening night of its 2022 Summer Festival Season next July, marking its 50th anniversary.