For operatic spectacle, there is no better place than the Met this fall. In Sonja Frisell’s production of Verdi’s Aida, the ever-popular triumphal scene (above) not only marks a turning point in the action—it is also one of opera’s grandest and most unforgettable moments. And in Violeta Urmana, Dolora Zajick, and Johan Botha, the production has a cast with the vocal goods to stand up to the eye-popping visual splendor. A few weeks later, Franco Zeffirelli’s breathtaking staging of Puccini’s Turandot brings to life a mythical China, with Maria Guleghina singing the ruthless title heroine and Marcello Giordani as Calaf. Here are some images from these two iconic Met productions.

Aida, conducted by Daniele Gatti, opens October 2. Turandot, conducted by Andris Nelson, opens October 28.