Elizabeth Futral

We’re looking to two “contemporary” operas on this week’s Sunday Opera (1/19 3:00 p.m.) beginning with Andre Previn’s “Brief Encounter” in a production from the Houston Grand Opera and Philip Glass’ interesting adaption of Jean Cocteau’s film “Belle et le Bete” having written an opera that synchs perfectly with the film. Of course, we can’t show you the film, but the opera is quite enjoyable on its own.

This week's opera is Meyerbeer's 1856 Work that looks at Peter the Great as he tries to win Catherine for his wife and includes all sorts of trials that are overcome for a happy ending.