The Dallas Opera has announced its 2018-19 season which includes five unique productions.

But what makes this season exciting is the number of debuts that will be seen. Additionally, there will be a number of artists who make rare appearances in North America. Here are the five artists that will make this season special and are sure to make headlines.

Gregory Kunde – “Manon Lescaut” 

The American tenor makes a highly anticipated return to the United States in the role of Des Grieux, which he has performed to great acclaim. For American audiences, this will be a rare opportunity to see Kunde in the new repertoire he has been triumphing in for the past few years.

Anja Kampe- “The Flying Dutchman”

The German soprano has become one of the most sought-after Wagnerian sopranos around the world and this season she makes her Dallas debut and a rare American appearance. Kampe has performed the role of Senta to great acclaim in Zurich and Munich.

Pumeza Matshikiza-“La Bohème”

This South African is slowly rising the ranks in the opera world. From her acclaimed first album with Decca to her sold performances in Stuttgart, this is an artist who should be on everyone’s radar. In the role of Mimì, Matshikiza should easily triumph.

Vanessa Vasquez – “Carmen”

In 2017, Vasquez stunned at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions with her rendition of “Ah Forse Lui.” Now she makes her Dallas debut as Michaela in Bizet’s “Carmen.” With a growing resume, it will be interesting to see this artist grow.

Mark Delavan – “Falstaff”

Veteran baritone Delavan has shown his villainous side, his tragic side and has brought his imposing voice to numerous iconic roles. Now he brings his comic timing to Verdi’s final opera and it will show another facet of Delavan’s storied career.