The Des Moines Metro Opera and Des Moines Film have partnered to present the Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed Live in HD series at the historic Varsity Cinema. This collaboration will debut with Puccini’s “La Bohème” on November 8, 2025.
While Des Moines audiences have previously enjoyed the Met: Live in HD broadcasts, this initiative represents the first time the series will be featured at the Varsity Cinema. The partnership aims to enhance local access to high-quality opera performances in a cherished nonprofit art house setting.
In addition to “La Bohème,” audiences can look forward to a diverse lineup that includes “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” Massenet’s “Cinderella,” Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde,” Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” and Frank/Cruz’s “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.” Each screening will feature a representative from the Des Moines Metro Opera who will provide insights into the opera, answer questions, and engage with patrons 30 minutes prior to the performance.
This partnership not only enriches the cultural landscape of Des Moines but also aligns with the mission of both organizations to promote the arts within the community. By bringing the Met’s prestigious productions to a local venue, the Des Moines Metro Opera and Des Moines Film aim to foster a greater appreciation for opera and its storytelling power.
As the arts community continues to recover from recent challenges, this collaboration symbolizes a renewed commitment to offering enriching experiences to local audiences. The screenings promise to create a vibrant atmosphere for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from both organizations, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to world-class performances. This new chapter for the Varsity Cinema as a venue for opera marks a significant milestone in the cultural offerings available to the residents of Des Moines.
With the Met: Live in HD series now set to light up the screens of the Varsity Cinema, audiences can anticipate an engaging and immersive experience that connects them with the magic of opera in a familiar and beloved environment.
