After a number of adventurous choices last week, this weekend we’re sticking to some of the greatest hits in opera as this week will feature  the greatest singers in the world. One simply cannot ignore when singers like Jonas Kaufmann and Bryan Hymel are performing major works.

Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci – La Monnaie, Belgium 

Damiano Michieletto’s acclaimed production of the popular verismo double continues its acclaimed run with Eva Maria Westbroek and Teodor Ilincai in Mascagni’s “Cavalleria,” and Simona Mihai and Carlo Ventre headlining Leoncavallo’s tragic “Pagliacci.”

Les Vepres Siciliennes – Bayerische Staatsoper, Germany 

Verdi’s grand opera receives a new production by Antú Romero Nunes with Omer Meir Wellber conducting an extraordinary cast. Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Bryan Hymel, George Petean, and Erwin Schrott star in the leading roles.

Dialogues des Carmélites – Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Italy

Oliver Py puts his signature on a new production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites” with Jérémie Rhorer conducting. The cast includes Sophie Koch, Hélène Guilmette, and Sylvie Brunet. The production premieres on Sunday.

Andrea Chénier – Grand Theatre del Liceu, Spain 

Barcelona audiences are in for the premiere of Sir David McVicar’s acclaimed production of “Andrea Chénier.” The production will feature Jonas Kaufmann in his first operatic stage performances in Barcelona and the role debut of Sondra Radvanovksy as Maddalena. Carlo Álvarez rounds out the opening night cast. Jorge de Léon and Julianna Di Giacomo headline the Saturday night performance.

From the House of the Dead – Royal Opera House, U.K.

The Royal Opera continues it run on Saturday of Janáček’s final work in its Royal Opera premiere. The new production directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski is conducted by Mark Wigglesworth and stars Willard W. White and Štefan Margita.