This weekend we look at a number of classic operas in some of the world’s most notable production houses, as well as one of the great festivals in the world.

Rusalka – Theater an der Wien, Austria

Maria Bengtsson stars in Dvořák’s masterpiece in a new production by Amélie Niermeyer. The soprano starts alongside Ladislav Elgr as the Prince, Günther Groissböck, Kate Aldrich, and Natascha Petrinsky.

David Afkham conducts the production.

Norma – Théâtre du Capitole, France 

After 40 years, Bellini’s masterpiece returns to the Toulouse stage in a new production by Anne Delbée. The new production stars Marina Rebeka, Karine Deshayes, and Airam Hernández. Giampaolo Bisanti conducts the production. The Friday night performance will see Klára Kolonits in the title role.

Oedipus Rex-  Opernhaus Wuppertal, Germany 

Stravinsky’s rarely performed work is getting a production with Mirko Roschkowski in the title role. The cast also includes Almuth Herbst, Gregor Henze, Ralitsa Ralinova, Sebastian Campione, Iris Marie Sojer and Simon Stricker.

Johannes Pell conducts the production by Timofey Kulyabin.

Luisa Miller / Nabucco – Teatro Regio di Parma, Italy  

Ther Verdi Festival continues in Parma with two of Verdi’s early works. First “Luisa Miller” premieres with Francesca Dotto making her role debut as Luisa, Amadi Lagha, Riccardo Zanellato, Franco Vassallo, and Martina Belli.

Roberto Abbado conducts Lev Dodin’s production. Then “Nabucco” premieres with Saioa Hernández and Amartuvshin Enkhbat. Ivan Magri, Michele Pertusi, and Annalisa Stroppa round out the cast. Francesco Ivan Ciampa conducts the production.

I Lombardi – Teatro dell’Opera Maghiara di Cluj-Napoca, Romania 

After making a spectacular debut as “Lakmé” at the Royal Opera Muscat and returning to Spain in “La Rondine,” Elena Mosuc is set to make her role debut as Giselda in Verdi’s “I Lombardi.” The soprano will be joined by Sorin Lupu, István Kovács,  Orsolya Veress, Arnold Gergely, Zsombor Rétyi, László Mányoki, Adorján Pataki, and Judit Hary.

Szabolcs Kulcsár will conduct the new production by Csaba Némedi.