This weekend opera audiences are in for some classic gems with some rising stars. Jonas Kaufmann also returns to the stage while the Prague National Opera showcases a rare opera two times.

“No Man” – Prague National Opera, Czech Republic

The Prague National Opera gives audiences a rare chance to see Jiří Kadeřábek’s music drama with an all-Czech cast on the New Stage. Per the Opera company’s website the work “employs soloists and chamber orchestra, recorded children’s choir, mixed choir, and orchestra. The musical concept is based on the integration of absent performers and stage action, with this contrast creating an analogy to the absent presence of the Stalin monument from the current perspective.” The work only gets two performances this season.

“Il Trovatore” – Opera Frankfurt, Germany 

Leah Crocetto continues her run as Leonora at Opera Frankfurt alongside Alfred Kim in the title role. Jader Bignamini conducts David Bosch’s production which also stars Tassis Christoyannis as the Count and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner as Azucena. After this weekend’s only two performances remain for the acclaim production.

“Don Pasquale” – Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Germany  

Roland Villazón’s production of Donizetti’s beloved comic masterpiece returns to Dusseldorf with Lucio Gallo in the title role, Ioan Hotea as Ernesto, and Elena Sancho Pereg as the conniving Norina. Jonathan Brandani conducts the opera which is slated to run through July 2018.

“Carmen” – Teatro di Firenze, Italy 

The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino opens a new production on Sunday, Jan. 7 that is making headlines for its radical new ending. According to the Telegraph, the ending of the opera will see the femme fatale shoot her thwarted admirer Don José with a pistol that she grabs off him, rather than being stabbed to death by him. The radical production is directed by Leo Muscato and is set to star Veronica Simeoni, Laura Giordano and Roberto Aronica. Ryan McAdams conducts the sold-out performances.

Jonas Kaufmann On Tour – Suntroy Hall, Japan

Jonas Kaufmann continues his Japanaese tour in Tokyo performing works from Puccini, Bizet, Verdi, and Giordano. Accompanied by conductor Jochen Rieder and the Tokyo New City Orchestra, this is a rare chance to see Kaufmann in Asia.

“L’Elisir d’Amore” – Grand Theatre Liceu, Spain 

Jessica Pratt and Pavol Breslik headline a revival of Mario Gas’ production of “L’Elisir d’Amore.” Paolo Bordogna and Roberto de Candia round out the cast which is set to be conducted by Ramón Tebar.