The final week of October features opera for those thinking about Halloween, but also for those looking toward an all-important election day next week. The recommendations list features some old-time classics presented in unique new ways, some modern gems, fascinating recital programs,  world premieres, and rare works that are likely to become repertory staples in coming years.

La Bohème – Opéra de Montreal (NOW)

Those interested in more classical repertory can check out the Opéra de Montréal’s production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” starring France Bellemare, Luc Robert, Justin Welsh, Lucia Cesaroni, Christopher Allen, Alexandre Sylvestre, and Claude Grenier. James Meena conducted the 2017 production, which was directed by Alain Gauthier.

Watch the opera here.

La Voix Humaine – Welsh National Opera (NOW)

The Welsh National Opera has unveiled a new filmed version of Poulenc’s monopera with Claire Booth as the headliner.

Check out the trailer and click here to watch the full opera.

Fidelio – OperaVision (NOW)***

For those interested in Beethoven’s Fidelio, OperaVision is offering up three different productions from Birmingham Opera Company, WALPURGIS, and Garsington Opera. The three productions aim to celebrate the iconic composer’s anniversary, with each offering unique takes on the opera. WALPURGIS’ version condenses the opera into a 15-minute work that caters to children and younger audiences. Birmingham Opera sets the work in a circus tent while Garsington Opera brings a more stripped-down concert version with unique projections filling out the set.

Watch the Operas*** here.

The Ghost of Versailles – Metropolitan Opera (Oct. 31)

John Corigliano’s opera is a true rarity. The work premiered at the Met in 1991 but has never been performed at the company since. Outside of the Met, there are some recordings here and there, but the work itself has never affixed itself in the standard repertory canon. Yet, in this rendition, the Met compiled a huge list of A-list stars including Renée Fleming, Teresa Stratas, Håkan Hagegård, Gino Quilico, Graham Clark, and Marilyn Horne for an iconic premiere run.

Watch it here.

The Threepenny Opera – City Lyric Opera (Starts Oct. 29)

City Lyric Opera will present this unique opera by Weill and Brecht with star sopranos Sara LeMesh and Gretchen Pille, mezzo-sopranos Rachelle Pike and Mary Rice, soprano/mezzo zwischenfach Shanelle Valerie Woods, baritones Justin Austin, Philip Kalmanovitch, and Michael Parham, and tenors Kameron Ghanavati and Geddy Warner headlining the cast.

This broadcast is the result of both live and recorded performances, providing a deserved opportunity to a fantastic, though heavily underperformed work. The broadcast will be presented in two parts across subsequent evenings.

Watch it here.

Wicked Wagner Weekend – Pittsburgh Festival Opera (Oct. 30-Nov. 1)

Over the course of three days, the Pittsburgh Festival Opera will showcase excerpts from NINE different Wagner operas with a star-studded cast that includes sopranos Marjorie Owens, Hanna Brammer, and Melissa Shippen Burrows; tenors Stuart Skelton, Robert Chafin, and Corey Bix; bass-baritones Brad Garvin, Alex Boyd, and David Crawford.

Watch it here.

Songs From Hibernation – Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble (Nov. 1)

Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble continues its recital series with “Love and Nature Uplift the Struggling Spirit.” The program stars soprano Christa Dalmazio and pianist Chris Fecteau performing music by Previn, Barber, Donizetti, Richard Strauss, and Fanny Hensel.

Watch it here.

Der Kaiser von Atlantis – Rice University (Oct. 29)

Rice University will present a production of this unique work by composer Viktor Ullmann and librettist Peter Kien. The work was banned during the composer and librettist lifetime by the Nazi and would take decades before its premiere. The work has seen an increased resurgence in recent years and this is an opportunity to witness and opera that almost did not survive.

Watch it here.

The Miracle of the Heliane – Fisher Center  at Bard / UPSTREAMING (NOW)

The Fisher Center is offering the opportunity of experiencing a 2019 production of Korngold’s fascinating opera. The production as staged by Christian Räth and features such international stars as Ausrine Stundyte, Daniel Brenna, and Alfred Walker.

Watch it here.

Four Short Pre-Election Films – The Crossing (Starting Oct. 26)

The Crossing is releasing four short opera films over the course of the week in anticipation of the Nov. 3 election around the U.S. The four works include “stateless,” “she took his hands,” “Democracy,” and the world premiere of “Shift.”

Watch the films here.