(Credit: Michael Pohn/© A. Bofill)

This weekend is all about the star power, new productions and standard repertory that will showcase important role debuts. Here is a look.

Lohengrin – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria

Piotr Beczala sings one of his signature roles with a cast that includes Ain Anger, Cornelia Beskow, Egils Silins, Linda Watson, and Boaz Daniel. The production by Andreas Homoki is conducted by Valery Gergiev.

Andrea Chenier – Deutsche Oper Berlin, Germany

Anja Harteros brings her acclaimed interpretation of Maddalena to the Berlin house with a cast that include Martin Muehle in the title role and Roman Burdenko. The revival is conducted by Francesco Angelico.

Manon – Staatsoper Nurnberg, Germany

Eleonore Marguerre takes on the title role in Massenet’s epic masterpiece in a new production by Tatjana Gürbaca. The soprano is joined by Tadeusz Szlenkier as Des Greiux and Levent Bakirci as Lescaut. Guido Johannes Rumstadt conducts.

Lucrezia Borgia – Teatro Verdi Trieste, Italy

Andrea Bernard’s acclaimed production, which OperaWire called “one of the best of the year,” returns to the stage. Carmela Remigio returns to the role for which she gained great acclaim with critics noting she is “one of the most expressive singers performing today and one that transforms into any role that she sings.”

She is joined by Stefan Pop, Cecilia Molinari, and Dongho Kim. Artist of the Week Lidia Fridman leads the second cast in her role role debut as Lucrezia. She is joined by Abramo Rosalen, Deniz Leone, and Veta Pilipenko. Roberto Gianola conducts.

Madama Butterfly – The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, Norway

Elisabeth Teige sings the title role in Puccini’s heartbreaking tale with tenor Henrik Engelsviken, baritone Yngve Søberg, and mezzo-soprano Désirée Baraula. The production by Stephen Langridge will be conducted by Dalia Stasevska.

Aida – Gran Teatre del Liceu, Spain

Verdi’s epic continues in Barcelona with two star divas, Angela Meade and Jennifer Rowley. Meade is joined by a cast that includes Clémentine Margaine as Amneris, Yonghoon Lee as Radames, Franco Vassallo as Amonasro, and Kwangchul Youn as Ramfis. Meanwhile Rowley is joined by Luciano Ganci, Judit Kutasi, Marko Mimica, and Àngel Òdena.  Gustavo Gimeno conducts.