As we enter the second weekend of January the opera schedule starts to get busier around North America, especially with the Prototype Festival in full swing. Many of those works were in last week’s recommendations and they still stand. But there are other major productions worth considering for your opera enjoyment this weekend (in alphabetical order by company).

Stinney – Beth Morrison Projects

On Jan. 12 and 13, the Beth Morrison Projects will present Frances Pollock’s “Stinney” as part of its Prototype Festival. The work takes place in South Carolina and explores the racial tensions that led to the execution of a George Stinney, a 14-year-old African American boy, the youngest person ever executed in the United States during the 20^th century.

The Consul – Bronx Opera

Starting on Saturday and Sunday, the Bronx Opera will showcase the first of its two works this season. Menotti’s famed opera will be directed by Rod Gomez with Michael Spierman and Eric Kramer taking on conducting duties for the performance. Performers include Allison Gish, Mary Beth Nelson, Cara Search, Marina Harris, Mary-Hollis Hundley, Markel Reed, and Jeremy Moore, among others.

The Magic Flute – El Paso Opera

For two nights (Jan. 11 and 12, 2019), El Paso Opera will put on a production of the timeless classic. The company is currently celebrating its 25^th anniversary and “Flute” was one of the operas on offer when the company first opened its doors.

Carmen – Metropolitan Opera

Bizet’s masterpiece returned to the Met this week and on Saturday, audiences will get a chance to experience the joint collaboration of Clémentine Margaine (one of the foremost interpreters of the title role today) and Roberto Alagna (one of the noted Don José’s of today). Aleksandra Kurzak rounds out the cast, which will get an HD broadcast in a few weeks.

Il Trovatore – Seattle Opera

The Seattle Opera rings in the new year with Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” on Saturday and Sunday. The production will undeniably center on the two women alternating the role of Leonora – Leah Crocetto and Angela Meade, the latter in her Seattle Opera debut. Martin Muehle and Arnold Rawls alternate the role of Manrico while Lester Lynch and Michael Mayes appear as the Conte di Luna. Elena Gabouri and Nora Sourouzian will play Azucena.