(Indianola, IA) -- The founder of the Des Moines Metro Opera has died. Robert Larson started the Des Moines Metro Opera in the mid-1970s. Larsen also chaired the Simpson College Music Department for more than three decades. He taught at Simpson until 2017.
The Des Moines Metro Opera states throughout the organization's first 37-seasons, Larsen mounted some 120 productions, functioning as both conductor and stage director.
At Simpson College, Larson started an undergraduate opera program there, taught pianists, and lectured extensively on music history and theory, notably in a specialty course on Medieval and Renaissance literature.
He coached and accompanied vocalists and founded a beloved chorus of Madrigal singers, whose concerts, European tours, and Christmas dinner performances became college and Midwestern traditions.
Larsen was a remarkable solo and collaborative pianist, and he was well known for his performances with students, faculty and major performing artists including bass-baritone Simon Estes. Whether as professor or impresario, he nurtured the careers of countless musicians, many of whom enjoy international careers. He was selected as a recipient of the first Governor’s Award in Music in 1973 and the 1990 Iowa Arts Award presented by the Iowa Arts Council.
Visitations will be Friday, March 26, from 3-8pm at the Overton Funeral Home in Indianola and on Saturday, March 27, from 9:00-10:30am at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no public graveside service is planned.
Des Moines Metro Opera plans to host a Memorial Concert to celebrate this extraordinary life, with details to be announced later.