One major opera staple is on this weekend’s list. But the rest are all made up of 20^th and 21^st century operas, including two works making their world premieres. Here are our top five operas to see this weekend (in alphabetical order by company).

Chautauqua Opera Company – The Ghosts of Versailles

For one night only, Chautauqua Opera will showcase the rare opera by John Corigliano and William Hoffman with Caitlin Lynch, Daniel Belcher, and Aleks Romano, among the cast members. It is a rarely-performed opera, so this night is essential viewing for opera lovers.

Cincinnati Opera – Blind Injustice

The new work by Scott D. Richards and David Cote closes this weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday. The opera explores the lives of six people who were tried, convicted, imprisoned, but ultimately freed by the Ohio Innocence Project. The opera’s performances are reportedly sold out, but any opportunity to witness it should not be avoided.

Portland Opera – In the Penal Colony

On Friday and Sunday, Portland Opera opens its production of the Philip Glass opera in a production directed by Jerry Mouawad. Its cast features Martin Bakari and Ryan Thorn. Nicholas Fox conducts.

Santa Fe Opera – The Thirteenth Child

The world premiere of the opera by composer Poul Ruders and librettists Becky and David Starobin will take place on Saturday, July 27. It stars Jessica E. Jones, Tamara Mumford, Joshua Dennis, David Leigh, and Bradley Garvin. The dark fairy tale about a paranoid king who banishes 12 sons in favor of his 13^th daughter will be a unique experience to behold on one of the biggest stages of the U.S.’ summer opera slate.

Union Avenue Opera – La Bohème

It’s rare to see the most popular opera on the planet featured prominently in the summer season. But this is arguably one of the best operas to bring those in your life that are unfamiliar with the art form and its power. On Friday and Saturday, Union Avenue Opera is showcasing a production with a cast that includes Yulia Lysenko, Jesse Donner, Cree Carrico, and Andrew Wannigman, among others.