(Credit: Opernhaus Zurich/ Bergen National Opera/Teatro alla Scala)

This weekend is filled with unknown repertoire and some masterpieces starring exciting rising stars.  Here are the seven operas we believe you cannot miss.

Čert a Káča – Anhaltisches Theater, Germany

Dvořák’s rarely performed work gets a new production by Jakob Peters-Messer. The cast is led by Richard Samek and Rita Kapfhammer with Elisa Gogou conducting. The opening performance is set for Saturday, with revival performances coming in December and January.

Die Ägyptische Helena – Teatro alla Scala, Italy

The legendary Italian theater is presenting R. Strauss’ work for the very first time with a first-rate cast that is headlined by Ricarda Merbeth in the title role. She is joined by Andreas Schager, Caterina Maria Sala, Eva Mei, Thomas Hampson, and Attilio Glaser.

Franz Welser-Möst conducts Sven-Eric Bechtolf’s new production. The performance this weekend will be broadcast live on RAI RADIO 3 for those not in Milan.

Ermione – Teatro San Carlo, Italy

Angela Meade continues her exploration of the Bel Canto in Rossini’s rarely performed work, directed by Jacopo Spirei. She is joined by Teresa Iervolino, John Irvin, Antonino Siragusa, Filippo Adami, Guido Loconsolo, Gaia Petrone, Chiara Tirotta, and Cristiano Olivieri.

Alessandro De Marchi conducts the production which is scheduled for Saturday. For those not in Napoli OperaVision will livestream it on its platform.

Manon – Israeli Opera, Israel

Ekaterina Bakanova leads the first cast in the title role of Massenet’s masterpiece. She is joined by rising tenor Leonardo Caimi with David Adam Moore rounding out the cast as Lescaut. The second cast is headlined by rising star Simona Mihai and tenor Ho Yoon Chung.

Dan Ettinger conducts the production by Vincent Boussard. Performances are scheduled for this Friday and Saturday.

Macbeth – Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Luxembourg

After making a surprise Met debut Craig Colclough returns to the role of Macbeth with Katia Pellegrino as Lady Macbeth. They are joined by Najmiddin Mavlyanov as Macduff and Tareq Nazmi as Banco. Gustavo Gimeno conducts the production by Michael Thalheimer. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

Sweeney Todd – Bergen National Opera, Norway

Michael Mayes makes his Norwegian debut in one of his signature roles alongside Susan Bullock, who sings the role of Mrs. Lovett. The cast is rounded out by Lester Lynch, Christopher Gillett, Catherine Wettergreen, and Samuel Boden. The production is conducted by Stephen Higgins. Performances are scheduled for Friday.

Belshazzar – Opernhaus Zurich, Switzerland

Mauro Peter stars in the title role of Handel’s rarely performed work in a new production by Sebastian Baumgarten. This series of performances also star Evan Hughes, Layla Claire, and Jakub Józef Orliński. The production is conducted by Laurence Cumming. This weekend’s performance is set for Saturday.