Blank Performing Arts Center- Des Moines Metro Opera

Des Moines Metro Opera was founded in 1973 by Maestro Robert L. Larsen, currently the company’s Artistic Director Emeritus, and the late Douglas J. Duncan, who was Managing Director. Staff during the company’s early years consisted primarily of volunteers in order to reserve the budget for productions. In 1976, Jerilee Mace was hired as the company’s first full-time employee, an assistant to Duncan, and in 1988, following Duncan’s unexpected passing, was named to the position of Executive Director.