The theme of the weekend is world premieres. There are a lot of them. That said, we did find some space for a classic opera in there.

Roberto Devereux – Los Angeles Opera

To kick things off we head to LA where the company will showcase the bel canto masterpiece with Angela Meade as the famed Queen Elisabeth and Ramón Vargas in the title role. Quinn Kelsey and Ashley Dixon fill out the cast.

Oh! New Works Festival – Opera in the Heights, Texas

The Texas-based company will showcase the world premieres of three different operas. First up is “Yeltsin in Texas,” followed up by the double bill of “Kassandra” and “The Leader.” For those who love new opera, there is no better place to be this weekend than Texas to see three completely unique experiences take flight.

Flight – Pacific Opera Victoria

The famed opera by Jonathan Dove and April de Angelis will get its second performance on Saturday with a cast that includes Sharleen Joynt, Jacqueline Woodley, Kimmy McLaren, Emilia Boteva, and Allyson McHardy, among others.

Charlie Parker’s Yardbird – Seattle Opera, Washington

Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette A Wimberly’s increasingly popular work heads to Seattle starting on Saturday and Sunday with Joshua Stewart and Frederick Ballentine alternating the title role. Angela Brown, Jorell Williams, Shelly Traverse, Jennifer Cross, and Chrystal E. Williams fill out the cast.

Marie Begins – Tri Cities Opera, New York (This production has been canceled)

Gina Moscato, Kevin Bryant, Annie Chester, Emily Cottam, and Langelihle Mngxati headline this brand-new opera that is being billed as an “Operactive.” Instead of just being passive audience members, those in attendance will take part in the experience, which is sure to be unlike any opera you’ve ever been to.