New Yorkers may be familiar with the music from Bizet’s "Carmen," whether they’re an opera fan or not. The classic is being performed on Sept. 4 and 5 by New York City Opera, and mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez is playing Carmen.

“What’s so fantastic about it is people can come to it [having] never seen an opera, and they hear it, and they are like: ‘I know that piece,’” Chavez said.

What You Need To Know

Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a popular, free, live performamnce series at Bryant Park in Midtown, Manhattan

New York City Opera has been presenting free opera at the park for more than 40 years

The Bryant Park Lawn will have its final activities on Sept. 25 before transforming for the winter season

New York City Opera has been presenting free performance

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