Puccini will likely be the composer that you will get a chance to associate yourself with this weekend if you check out any of our recommendations. However, there are also a few unique experiences to be had that steer clear from the standard repertory as well. Among those experiences is a family-friendly performed geared toward helping those in need.

Pagliacci – Boston Lyric Opera, Massachussetts

For one more weekend, the Boston Lyric Opera will showcase Leoncavallo’s famed opera with an exciting cast that includes Rafael Rojas, Lauren Michelle, Michael Mayes, and Tobias Greenhalgh. David Angus conducts the work, which will be sung in both English and Italian.

Roma  – Brooklyn Art Song Society, New York

The Brooklyn Art Song Society opens its 2019-20 season with a concert dedicated to music Gypsy culture. The performance which will feature soprano Tami Petter, mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein, baritone Michael Kelly, and violinist Stanichka Dimitrova, will feature music of Brahms, Dvorak, Ravel, and Sarasate. The concert is set for Friday night at the Brooklyn Historical Society.

Doctor Miracle – Dallas Opera, Texas

This little-known Bizet operetta will get a family-themed performance for just one-day on Sunday, Oct. 6. The showcase will feature the Dallas Opera Orchestra and is being presented in partnership with North Texas Food Bank. All attendees are encouraged to bring food items in exchange for a free ticket.

Turandot – Metropolitan Opera

The Met Opera’s first Sunday performance will take place this weekend with Puccini’s famed classic. The second performance of the run features maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the pit with Christine Goerke in the title role. Yusif Eyvazov interprets Calaf with Eleonora Buratto as Liù. James Morris appears as Timur. It should be a unique atmosphere at the Met on Sunday.

Elektra – Minnesota Opera

The Minnesota Opera will showcase Strauss’ masterwork with a cast that features Sabine Hogrefe in the title role for the opening night on Saturday. Jill Grove, Marcy Stonikas, Craig Irvin, and Dennis Petersen. Elias Grandy conducts a production directed by Brian Staufenbiel.

Tosca – Opera in the Heights, Houston, Texas

Elizabeth Baldwin and Victoria Cannizzo lead two performances of the famed Puccini opera this weekend. They will be joined by the likes of Peter Scott Drackley and Gerardo Gaytan as Cavaradossi. Ivan Conrad and Kenneth Stavert star as Scarpia.