Happy New Year! It’s the first weekend of the year and we’ve got one packed with many operatic classics and some rarities. We’re also excited to see one of today’s greatest mezzos celebrate her 30th anniversary at the Zurich theater. Here is a look at what’s in store for you to see.

Andrea Chénier – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria

Gregory Kunde, Luca Salsi, and Tatiana Serjan headline Otto Schenk’s classic production of Giordano’s masterpiece. Frédéric Chaslin conducts the starry cast, which will get three more performances.

The Bartered Bride – Bayerische Staatsoper, Germany

The German company is set to present Smetana’s masterpiece with a cast that includes Pavol Breslik, Günther Groissböck, and Selene Zanetti. Tomáš Hanus conducts the new production by David Bösch. For those not in attendance, there will be a live stream of the production.

The Merry Widow – Oper Frankfurt, Germany

Continue the celebration the New Year with Lehar’s classic starring Christoph Pohl and Juanita Lascarro in Claus Guth’s production. Hartmut Keil conducts the performance.

Semele – Opernhaus Zurich, Switzerland

Cecilia Bartoli celebrates her 30th anniversary at the Zurich opera with Handel’s legendary heroine. Frédéric Antoun joins her as well as Rebeca Olvera and Nahuel Di Pierro. William Christie conducts Robert Carsen’s acclaimed production.

Lucia di Lammermoor – Mariinsky Theatre, Russia

Aigul Hismatullina headlines the season premiere of Donizetti’s most popular work with Valery Gergiev at the podium. Denis Zakirov is Edgardo, while Roman Burdenko is Enrico. Albina Shagimurtova headlines the second cast of the evening.