Opera Eight

"Arts organizations are no less subject to cyclical patterns than the weather, or life itself. In its 31 months, Opera Eight has produced 17 salons, with 30 individual singers participating at the convenience of their schedules. We've performed at Des Moines events, mentored young singers, and sung in coffee houses, churches, and a cleaning supplies warehouse. We've experimented with form, story-telling, and a casual, light-hearted way of presenting opera to new audiences. Along the way, Opera Eight has built many friendships and formed an invaluable network of singers. However, after much soul searching, I have reached the conclusion that it is time to close Opera Eight's current chapter and make way for new projects and collaborations. The Opera Eight name hopefully will continue on, but as a production company that focuses on larger projects over set amounts of time, rather than an ongoing performance group.

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has ever sung with Opera Eight - thank you for giving your time and talent to make music with us. Opera Eight truly could never have existed without so many willing and inspiring musicians. Special thanks to Francine Griffith and Sonya Siebert, who have been our frequent partners-in-crime and covered all sorts of musical mayhem with their steady hands. Thanks to Hannah Brammer, Sarah Thompson-Johansen, Justin Scheel, Beth Deutmeyer, and Andy McGuire for embarking on this endeavor as board members and for all your contributions since 2012. Hannah has been an intrepid treat/prize-maker and score-keeper; Sarah a performer, costumer, and salon-maker; Justin a promoter, singer, and risk-taker; Beth a serenading, Power-pointing quartermaster; and Andy a photo-taking, tech-mastering life-saver."

~Allison McGuire

Created this in the midst of submitting Opera Eight for a cool, upcoming event. Hope you're all ready for a trip down memory lane! It really made me feel for the people in charge of the SNL 40 Year montages...this was only 3 years, and there are already too many great pictures!

If you're afraid of opera, grow a pair (of ears) and come see Opera Eight tonight at Java Joe's at 8pm! We'll be in the 4th St. Theatre, singing art songs, arias, musical theatre pieces, and maybe even a few surprises. Trivia categories will reward those who like to eat, enjoy horror movies, and know their monsters - and the prize for the night is pretty epic. Don't miss it!