Lisette Oropesa, Russell Thomas Among Major Stars In Top 6 Operas To See This Weekend

By David Salazar

October is at an end and opera season is in full force. This weekend features a plethora of fascinating options across the country, making it truly challenging to single out a few specific performances. And despite the high quality all around, we zeroed in on a few showcases that we feel really rise to the top. Here are our top six operas to see this weekend.

The Golden Cockerel – Dallas Opera, Texas

Rimsky-Korsakov’s work heads to Dallas for only four performances under the music direction of Emmanuel Villaume. Olga Pudova headlines the work, which rarely gets performed in the U.S. As a result, the Friday and Saturday performances are essential opportunities to get up to date with one of Russia’s most popular works.

Saul – Houston Grand Opera, Texas

Baroque lovers will get a chance to see Handel’s work showcased in a production by Barrie Kosky under the musical direction of Patrick Summer. Christopher Purves leads a starry cast that also features Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Andriana Chuchman, Paul Appleby, Pureum Jo, and Keith Jameson. Performances start Friday and Sunday.

The Turn of the Screw – On Site Opera, NYC

From Friday through Sunday, audiences in New York will get a chance to see Britten’s unqiue work at Wave Hill in the Bronx. On Site Opera experiences are always unique in their ability to combine the work with a specific place and time, allowing for greater immersion. Jennifer Check headlines the cast, which also includes Dominic Armstrong, Adriana Zabala, Margaret Lattimore, Ashley Emerson, and Darius Elmore.

Fidelio – Opéra de Montréal, Canada

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Beethoven’s lone opera with a top-notch cast that includes Lise Davidsen, Michael Schade, Luca Pisaroni, and Kimy McLaren, among others. Beethoven’s work is almost always a must-see opera and this cast, which will perform on Oct. 25 and 27, makes it that much more crucial.

Richard Tucker Gala – Richard Tucker Foundation, NYC

Arguably the biggest concert of the New York season, this year’s gala will shine a spotlight on Lisette Oropesa. That alone makes the entire evening worthwhile, but as always this performance will be packed with a wide range of stars that include Jamie Barton, Michael Fabiano, Ailyn Pérez, Christian Van Horn, Bryan Hymel, Angel Blue, Lucas Meachem, Artur Rucinski, and a rare U.S. appearance for Ermonela Jaho. The performance is set for Sunday at Carnegie Hall.

Otello – Washington National Opera, Washington D.C.

Tenor Russell Thomas has slowly made a name for himself as the reigning Otello interpreter of his time and he will showcase his talents on the east coast in what is likely to be a series of riveting performances. He will appear alongside Leah Crocetto and George Gagnidze. Daniele Callegari conducts a production by David Alden. Performances start on Saturday.

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