The Bayerische Staatsoper revealed its 2019-20 season, which unsurprising features dozens of operas. Almost every single one is impeccably cast, but few standout as the must-see showcases of the season.

7 Deaths of Maria Callas

Maria Callas is more than an operatic icon at this point – she’s a legend and this work seems intent on exploring that very nature of our relationship to the great artist. It features a number of major sopranos, but what will be all the more interesting is seeing how composer Nikodijevic interacts with the iconic operas that will be represented in the work.

Die Tote Stadt

Jonas Kaufmann is taking on the famed Korngold opera in a production that he will headline alongside Marlis Petersen. That alone makes this an exciting proposition for a production. The opera, while of the 20^th century, is romantic through and through, which makes it all the more appealing. It is one of those operas that likely deserves a firmer place in the repertory and having two of the greatest singers on the planet championing it will only improve its chances of increased performances around the world.

Don Carlo

As far as star casting goes, you can’t go wrong with “Don Carlo,” which will feature Ildar Abdrazakov, Charles Castronovo, Ludovic Tézier, Anja Harteros, and Elīna Garanča. Throw in Günther Groissböck as the Inquisitor and you have the definition of luxury casting.

I Masnadieri

While “I Masnadieri” is far from one of Verdi’s best scores, it is nonetheless exciting to see even his lesser-known operas championed by some of the greatest artists. In this case, Diana Damrau is the leader of the cast. Not only is it fascinating to see her in such a rare work, but it is also interesting to see her in this kind of Verdi opera, which might point toward a new direction in her career. Throw in the fact that she is singing alongside Charles Castronovo, one of the top tenors around, and this is must-see opera.

Turandot

Anna Netrebko will be singing the title role, which will undeniably be an interesting proposition for the famed diva, who keeps pushing the boundaries of what her voice is capable of. She will be paired with tenor Yusif Eyvazov, who is one of the top Calaf interpreters around, making this one of the exciting revivals of Puccini’s final work.