The deeper into October that we get, the more exciting the offerings around the US and Canada. And this week, we get not two but three world premieres taking place (among others) on our list, mixed in with works by two of opera’s greatest composers (listed in alphabetical order by company).

Place – Beth Morrison Projects

One of the most interesting curators of new works in the business, Beth Morrison Projects will be presenting the world premiere of composer Ted Hearne and librettist Saul Williams (also in collaboration with Hearne)’s “Place.” The work will feature Steven Bradshaw, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Allison Semmes, and Ayanna Woods. The project is being produced in cooperation with the LA Philharmonic and will appear on Saturday and Sunday.

Hadrian – Canadian Opera Company

Speaking of world premieres, the Canadian Opera Company is making one of the most exciting such showcases this weekend with “Hadrian,” a work by composer Rufus Wainwright and librettist Daniel MacIvor. The piece features a superstar cast that includes Thomas Hampson, Karita Mattila, Isaiah Bell, Ambur Braid, Ben Heppner, and David Leigh. Johannes Debus conducts. Performances start on Saturday night.

A Metamorphosis & Adrianna McMannes – Christman Opera Company

The Christman Opera Company will be reprising “Adrianna McMannes” alongside the world premiere of composer Theodore Christman and librettist Anna Winslow’s “Metamorphosis.” The operas will feature casts that include Nobuki Momma, Madison Marie McIntosh,  Alyssa Brode, Jennifer Allenby Rachel Barg, Sooyeon Kang, Kevin Courtemanche, Erin Brittain, and Seán Kroll, Sarah Knott, Eugenia Forteza, and Doug Sabo. The performance takes place on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at the National Opera Center.

The Flying Dutchman – Dallas Opera

On Friday and Sunday, Wagner’s early masterwork will get first-rate presentations with a cast that features Greer Grimsley, Jay Hunter Morris, and Anja Kampe. Most interestingly, conductor Emmanuel Villaume will lead the music team in a production by Christopher Alden.

The Turn of the Screw – Seattle Opera

Any occasion to see a rare Benjamin Britten opera is one to savor. Seattle Opera is presenting this work with a strong cast that features Elizabeth Caballero, Ben Bliss, Maria Zifchak, and Marcy Stonikas, among others. Performances this weekend are set for Saturday and Sunday.