This weekend, OperaWire goes a little traditional in its weekend offerings. Granted if you look at the list many of the works recommended are not the most popular. Instead, there are rarely performed works, role debuts, and in the case of one production, a legendary showcase that has to be seen every time it is on stage.

Here is a look at what we think you have to see this weekend.

La Donna del Lago – Opéra de Marseille, France

Karine Deshayes sings the title role in Rossini’s popular work. Varduhi Abrahamyan sings Malcolm, while Edgardo Rocha is Giacomo and Enea Scala performs the role of Roderigo. José Miguel Perez-Serria conducts the concert version.

Anna Bolena – Opéra de Bordeaux, France

Marina Rebeka continues her first run in Donizetti’s challenging role. She is joined by Ekaterina Semenchuk and Pene Pati in a new production by Marie-Louise Bischofberger. Paul Daniel conducts the cast which also includes Dimitry Ivashchenko as Henry VIII.

La Fanciulla del West – Oper Leipzig, Germany

Puccini’s opera is having a resurgence as Oper Leipzig, which has also lined up a stunning cast. Gastón Rivero takes the iconic role of Dick Johnson with Meagan Miller as Minnie. Simon Neal is Jack Rance and Ulf Schirmer conducts the production.

Elektra – Teatro alla Scala, Italy

Patrice Chéreau’s masterful production returns to La Scala with Ricarda Merbeth in the title role and Waltraud Meier in her signature Klytaemnestra. Regine Hangler, Michael Volle, and Roberto Saccà round out the cast with Christoph von Dohnányi conducting Strauss’ immense score.

Alzira – Teatro Nacional de Peru, Peru

Jaquelina Livieri, Juan Antonio de Dompablo, Jorge Tello, and Xavier Fernandez star in Verdi’s early and rarely performed work under the musical direction of Oliver Diaz. Jean Pierre Gamarra directs the new production presented by Peru’s Ministry of Culture

Katia Kabanova – Gran Theatre del Liceu, Spain

Patricia Racette takes on the title role in Janacek’s rarely performed work. David Alden directed the production with a cast that also includes Nikolai Schukoff, Rosie Aldridge, and Francisco Vas. Josep Pons conducts.

Manon Lescaut – Bolshoi Theatre, Russia 

Adolf Shapiro’s ever-popular production is back on stage for two more performances at the Bolshoi with two different casts. The first is led by Anna Nechaeva’s acclaimed interpretation of the title role and Yusif Eyvazov. Then to conclude the run, Ainhoa Arteta returns to the production she co-created with Anna Netrebko in 2016. Riccardo Massi joins her as Des Grieux.