We are in the midst of holiday season and the opera houses in Europe are going as strong as ever. This week, we feature a company opening its season, among many other distinguished performances.

Let’s take a look.

Der Rosenkavalier – Vienna State Opera

On Saturday, opera lovers in Vienna will get a chance to hear the Strauss masterpiece in the classic Otto Schenk production. Adam Fischer conducts a cast that includes Erin Morley, Stephanie Houtzeel, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, and Regine Hangler among others. It will also be live streamed for those not in Vienna.

Don Carlo – Palau de les Arts

Ramón Tebar conducts Verdi’s late-period masterwork with Plácido Domingo as Rodrigo, Andrea Carè in the title role, María José Siri as Elisabetta, and Violeta Urmana as Eboli. The production is directed by Marco Arturo Marelli. The performance takes place on Dec. 16, 2017.

Die Tote Städt – Semperoper

Also on Saturday, this production of the Korngold opera will star Manuela Uhl, Burkhard Fritz, Tahnee Niboro, Grace Durham, Khanyiso Gwenxane, and Timothy Oliver, among others. Jeffrey Tate conducts. The performance marks the first of the season.

Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci – Royal Opera House

The double bill will play on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 and stars the likes of Elina Garanca, Simon Keenlyside, Bryan Hymel (in both operas), and Carmen Giannattasio. Daniel Oren conducts.

La Damnation de Faust – Opera di Roma

Finally, we turn to the Opera di Roma which is currently showcasing the Berlioz oratorio-opera under the musical direction of Danielle Gatti. The production, directed by Damiano Michieletto, stars tenor Pavel Cernoch, bass Alex Esposito, mezzo Veronica Simeoni, and Goan Juric. It plays on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.