It’s another week of discovery for OperaWire. Instead of the classic gems of the repertoire, this week we have opted to concentrate on companies presenting rare works as well as modern classics and a world premiere. Here is a look!

Orfeo – Beijing Music Festival, China

Fay Jueen Wang and Zou Shuang’s new immersive opera makes its world premiere in a production that Shuang is directing. The opera combines avant-garde, baroque and rock music to create a new experience for audiences. The production also stars rising stars Meili Li and Yajie Zhang. The production will be presented three times during the weekend.

Meifstofele – Opéra de Lyon, France

Paul Groves stars as Faust with John Relyea in the title role of Boito’s epic work. Eugenia Muraveva sings both Elena and Margarita. Daniele Rustioni conducts Alex Olle’s production. The performance marks the final one of the season.

Benjamin – Hamburg State Opera, Germany

Peter Ruzicka’s 2018 opera returns to Germany after making its world premiere a few months ago. Dietrich Henschel, Lini Gong, Dorottya Láng, Marta Swiderska, and Tigran Martirossian star. Ruzika conducts his work.

Semiramide – Teatro La Fenice, Italy

Jessica Pratt, Teresa Iervolino, Alex Esposito, and Enea Scala star in Rossini’s final Italian opera in a new production by Cecilia Ligorio. Riccardo Frizza conducts the work, which will be performed for the first time in the season and will be streamed on Rai 3.

Porgy and Bess – English National Opera, United Kingdom

Nicole Cabell and Eric Greene star in Gershwin’s masterpiece. John Wilson conducts David Robertson’s acclaimed production, which opened earlier this month. Latonia Moore also stars in the production.