It seems like this is the weekend of the year. While the entire planet is engaged with the cinematic event of the decade (Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame”), opera companies from around the continent are lining up some of their most exciting productions. As a result, this was one of the most challenging lists to create in quite some time. But we whittled down to five that excite us the most.

Otello – Canadian Opera Company

Russell Thomas takes on the famed title role with Tamara Wilson as Desdemona and Gerald Finley as Iago. The production opens on Saturday and will be directed by David Alden. Thomas is becoming one of the most sought-after interpreters of the role of Otello and this is one of many upcoming opportunities to see him take on the iconic character.

Moby Dick – Chicago Opera Theater

Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s beloved masterwork gets another series of showcases under conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya. Richard Cox, Aleksey Bogdanov, Vince Wallace, and Andrew Bidlack headline the cast with a performance set for Sunday.

Porgy and Bess – Fort Worth Opera

The famed Gershwin opera will get a series of shows in Texas with a cast that features Indira Mahajan, Thomas Cannon, Jermaine Smith, Karen Slack, Norman Garrett, Gwendolyn Brown, and John Fulton, among others.

The Phoenix – Houston Grand Opera

Thomas Hampson and Luca Pisaroni headline the world premiere of this new opera about the life of Lorenza Da Ponte. Per the artists themselves, this opera is a unique and fascinating experience with music people are likely to cherish. The opening night is on Friday, with a subsequent performance set for Sunday. The cast also includes Rihab Chaib (playing such roles as Maria Malibran, Mozart, and Nancy Da Ponte, among others), Chad Shelton, Lauren Snouffer, and Elizabeth Sutphen.

Götterdämmerung – Metropolitan Opera

The final episode in Wagner’s epic tetralogy gets its first performance on Saturday under maestro Philippe Jordan. Christine Goerke will take the spotlight yet again as Brünnhilde in arguably the most crucial installment for the character. This is the only performance currently available to the general public, making it a must-buy for Wagnerites.