Nickoli Strommer News

General and Artistic Director Michael Egel and the Board of Directors have announced casting for the operas of the 42nd Summer Festival Season. The three, full-scale grand operas will be presented in 15 performances between June 27 and July 20, 2014 at the Blank Performing Arts Center in Indianola Iowa. A fourth production will run for 3 performances on July 10 and 19 at the newly renovated Des Moines Social Club in Des Moines as part of the company's newly-minted 2nd Stages Series. The Summer Festival Season repertory includes the return of a timeless operatic classic paired with two operas which will be company premieres - the first is a modern masterpiece and the second is a sparkling farce by opera's greatest comedic composer, Rossini. It's truly a season for everyone from first-time opera-goers to lifelong devotees highlighted by Des Moines Metro Opera's exceptional attention to details, including casting some of the most remarkable vocal talent in America today.

The Opera Institute at Boston University will present 'Owen Wingrave' with Nickoli Strommer starring in the title role. The production opens on February 21 through February 24. Click below for rehersal photos!

Opera Index presents its 34th Distinguished Achievement Award to the powerful and charismatic bass-baritone Eric Owens at its annual black-tie winter gala on Sunday, January 13. The gala, held in the Grand Salon of the JW Marriott Essex House at 160 Central Park South, begins at 6 p.m. with a reception in the Petit Salon. Presenting the award to Mr. Owens is a longtime champion of his career, Janet Stovin, the vice president of Opera Index. Last year's Distinguished Achievement Award was presented to opera pioneer and founder of Opera Orchestra of New York, Eve Queler.