Opera lovers will have a rare opportunity to see the new Metropolitan Opera production of Alban Berg’s “Lulu” on Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The opera should be of interest to both musicians and artists, as acclaimed visual artist William Kentridge of South Africa directs the production.

As one of the world’s most preeminent visual artists, Kentridge’s work has been the subject of major gallery shows and museum retrospectives around the world, according to a news release. The South African-born artist is known for combining drawing, animation, filmmaking and collage. Opera goers will have a chance to see all of these mediums.

Kentridge made his Met debut with the staging of “The Nose” in 2010.

The live, high-definition opera will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will run approximately four and a half hours.

Meet the Met will meet at 11 a.m. in the theater for a discussion about the opera, Kentridge and the singers.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students. They are available through the Albert Lea Community Theatre box office.

A five-opera flex ticket is also available for $90.

The following is a roundup of other events happening this weekend:

 

Friday

• The FFA Alumni Association will host a burger night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion, 142 N. Broadway. Menu includes burgers, pulled pork and chicken strips. Cost is $8.

Tickets are available from any FFA member or can be purchased at the door.

• United South Central School will present “Brigadoon” this weekend in the performing arts auditorium at the school in Wells. Cost is $8 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $7 students and $30 for a family package. The show on Friday will begin at 7 p.m.

• Albert Lea  High School will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

 

Saturday

• First Lutheran Church will host Holidays Ahead Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 301 W. Clark St. Coffee runs from 8 to 10 a.m., with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will also be crafts, lefse, cookies, candy, a bake shop and a used-a-bit shop.

• Oakland Lutheran Church will host a fundraiser chili cook off  from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 22042 850th Ave.

There will be a baked potato bar, dessert bars, coffee and milk. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for ages 6 to 12 and free for 5 and under. If you bring a food shelf donation, you can get $2 off for an adult’s admission.

In addition to the meal, there will be a raffle for a 40-inch television, a silent auction and baked goods. Winners of the cook-off and cash prize will be announced at 12:30 p.m. Hans the Accordion Man will also be in attendance.

Proceeds will benefit world hunger and the church property.

• An International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day program will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Services, 2210 E. Main St.

This year’s program includes a screening of “Family Journeys: Healing and Hope after Suicide,” a new documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For more information, contact Judy Popp-Anderson 373-2461 or judy@bonnerupfuneralservices.com.

• The Alley Katz Band will perform at 2 p.m. at the Albert Lea American Legion.

• A basket night will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge. Burgers, chicken and fries are available. Cost is $8 a ticket. Proceeds benefit Albert Lea youth through high school wrestling.

• United South Central School will present “Brigadoon” at 7 p.m. in the performing arts auditorium at the school in Wells. Cost is $8 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $7 students and $30 for a family package.

• Todd Agnew will perform at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Clarks Grove.

• Albert Lea  High School will present “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

 

Sunday 

• United South Central School will present “Brigadoon” at 2 p.m. in the performing arts auditorium at the school in Wells. Cost is $7.

• The Albert Lea Cantori will present its annual “Singing in the Season” concert at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church.  This annual concert is titled “Gaudete — Rejoice!” in preparation of the Advent and Christmas season.