(Credit: Teatro Regio di Parma/ SF/Monika Riitshaus/Rossini Opera Festival)

This weekend new productions open, a major festival kicks off and a rising star makes a major debut at a historical arena. Here is what we recommend for the weekend.

Œdipe – Salzburg Festival, Austria

Christopher Maltman sings the title role of Enescu’s rarely performed work. The star baritone is joined by John Tomlinson, Brian Mulligan, Vincent Ordonneau, David Steffens, Gordon Bintner, Tilmann Rönnebeck, Boris Pinkhasovich, Michael Colvin, Anaïk Morel, Ève-Maud Hubeaux, Chiara Skerath, and Anna Maria Dur.

Ingo Metzmacher Conducts Achim Freyer’s production. 

Tosca- Puccini Opera Festival, Italy

Maria Guleghina sings her iconic interpretation in Puccini’s masterpiece alongside frequent collaborator José Cura. The two are joined by Carlo Almaguer in the villainous role of Scarpia. Dmitri Jurowski conducts the production.

Tosca – Arena di Verona, Italy

Saioa Hernandez makes her Arena di Verona debut in the title role of Puccini’s masterwork, one of her signature roles. The soprano, who has become one of the most sought-after for her dramatic force, is joined by Fabio Sartori and Ambrogio Maestri. Daniel Oren conducts Hugo de Ana’s classic production.

Semiramide – Rossini Opera Festival, Italy

Salome Jicia sings the demanding title role in Rossini’s last Italian opera. The soprano is joined by Nahuel di Pierro, Varduhi Abrahamyan, and Antonino Siragusa. The new production by Graham Vick is conducted by Michele Mariotti.

Juan Diego Flórez – Festival Castel de Peralada, Spain