Professor David Neely selected to conduct for the Des Moines Metro Opera

David Neely, Director of Orchestral Activities and KU Symphony Orchestra conductor, has been chosen to conduct "Figaro" and "Macbeth" for the Des Moines Metro Opera during this year's season, scheduled from June 25 through July 18, 2010. After nearly four decades on the podium, the Des Moines Metro Opera founder and artistic director Robert Larsen will step down. During the two-year transition period, Larsen will oversee a series of veterans chosen to conduct the opera's productions, including Neely.

Neely brings extensive international professional experience to the podium, working as a conductor in Germany for more than 10 years. He led Sarasota Opera's production of Moniuszko's rarely performed Polish opera, Halka. In 2007, Neely was honored with one of two nationally awarded Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Assistant Conductor Grants for his work with DMMO.

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 785-864-3436. www.music.ku.edu