Let’s be clear. This weekend is not one generally associated with opera in the US or North America at large. With Christmas just a few days away, most companies are not keen on risking small audiences simply because most of their greatest supporters are away with family or other activities.

So for the first time in weeks, there will be no piece dedicated to “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

The only company that has decided to continue its season through the holidays is the only one capable of doing so – the Metropolitan Opera.

The company has three shows this weekend, including one that has not been included in previous weekend installments and two that have. So let’s jump right in.

Hansel and Gretel

Friday night will feature the Humperdinck classic in its second performance of the season. Donald Runnicles leads a cast that includes Lisette Oropesa, Tara Erraught, Gerhard Siegel, Quinn Kelsey, and Dolora Zajick. OperaWire will be in attendance for this show, with a review to promptly follow.

The Merry Widow

The Léhar classic continues its run at the Met with a cast that features Susan Graham. The performance will be showcased as a matinee special, meaning that it will also be broadcast live on radio stations around the world as part of the Toll Brothers’ Met broadcasts.

Le Nozze di Figaro

The Saturday evening slot at the Met will feature the final performance for the current cast of “Le Nozze di Figaro” which stars Rachel Willis-Sorensen as the Countess, Christiane Karg as Susanna, Serena Malfi as Cherubino, Luca Pisaroni as the Count, and Adam Plachetka as Figaro.