The Houston Grand Opera makes a big return as opera companies slowly but surely get prepared for the spring.

Houston’s opening comes on Friday Jan. 20 with a production of John Adams’ “Nixon in China.” Scott Hendricks, Andriana Chuchman and Chad Shelton lead the production which will also take the stage on Sunday, Jan. 22.

The Metropolitan Opera continues its busy schedule with the season premiere of Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” starring Stephen Costello, Olga Peretyatko and Željko Lučić. Bass Andrea Mastroni makes his Met Opera debut. On Saturday, audiences will be treated to the HD performance of Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” starring Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau. Regarding the chemistry between the two leads, OperaWire wrote, “ The chemistry that Damrau and Grigolo engender is too contagious to ignore and that makes this ‘Roméo et Juliette’ a truly thrilling and, at times, sexy experience.” “The Barber of Seville” also takes the stage in the evening.

The Bronx Opera continues its run of “Sir John in Love” on Saturday or Sunday, the latter being a matinee performance.

The Lyric Opera of Chicago presents “The Magic Flute” on Sunday while Seattle continues its run of “La Traviata.” Corinne Winters takes on the lead role of Violetta on the 21^st before Angel Blue performs the following day.

Opera Naples presents “An Evening With Renata Scotto” on Saturday at the Wang Opera Center. OperaWire recently had the opportunity to talk to the legendary soprano about working with students and her work will be on display this Saturday before a concert a few days later.