The Des Moines Metro Opera has named Michael Egel to serve as the second artistic director in the company’s history. Egel’s roles include repertory selection, casting and creating collaborations with new conductors and stage directors. The move is part of an artistic leadership transition, part of the vision of founder Robert Larsen, who will remain the company’s director emeritus. Egel has worked for the Des Moines Metro Opera since 1999. “Michael Egel represents the soul of the Des Moines Metro Opera – dedicated, extremely capable and indefatigable,” Larsen said in a news release.