This week’s picks center on a lot of rare operas by many of the top independent opera companies around the U.S. Here are the best operas to kick off your summer with.

Soldier Songs – Alamo City Opera

David T. Little’s “Soldier Songs” is gaining increased popularity and audiences will get a chance to see why on Saturday and Sunday. The production will star Timothy Jones.

Chunky in Heat – Experiments in Opera

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Experiments in Opera will give viewers a chance to see what it has most recently concocted with “Chunky in Heat.” The work will be directed by Alison Moritz with a cast that includes Sarah Daniels, Timothy Stoddard, Emily Geller, Joshua Jeremiah, and Rachel Doehring.

Check out the trailer for “Chunky in Heat.”

Suor Angelica – Marble City Opera

On Friday and Saturday, Marble City Opera will present this gem of an opera. “Suor Angelica” is full of glorious music and rarely gets performed on its own outside of the “Triticco,” making this rare opportunity one to take advantage of.

Here is a chance to preview the voice of Kathryn Frady, who will take on the title role.

As One – New York City Opera

The Chamber opera makes a return to NYC in a production that features two distinct casts across its run. The production continues on Saturday with a performance featuring Briana Elyse Hunter and Jorell Williams.

Der Zwerg – Numi Opera

Also worth taking advantage of is the opportunity to see Von Zemlinsky’s rare but fascinating “Der Zwerg.” Numi Opera, an exciting new company in the LA area is presenting the work on May 31 and June 2.