Bryant Park Picnic Performances has announced the 2024 season which will feature the New York City Opera.

“Picnic Performances aims to make New York City’s extraordinary arts and culture accessible to everyone,” Dan Fishman, Bryant Park’s Vice President of Programming told OperaWire. “Take any means of public transportation, grab a free blanket, and enjoy world-class artists. Without the barriers of traditional venues, audiences are more willing to try something new, whether it’s experiencing opera for the first time or South African dance music or contemporary ballet.”

Michael Capasso, New York City Opera’s General Director added, “New York City Opera always looks forward to our annual performances under the stars in Bryant Park,” says Michael Capasso, General Director, New York City Opera. The magic oasis of Bryant Park in the summer can’t be beat, surrounded by the iconic New York City landscape. We are ‘The People’s Opera,’ and through our continuing partnership with Bryant Park, we are thrilled to present our favorite offerings for free to thousands of New Yorkers.”

The company will present a Puccini Celebration, honoring the 100th anniversary of the passing of Giacomo Puccini. The concert will feature the New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus and conducted by Maestro Joseph Rescigno. The concerts will include selections from each and every Puccini opera including arias, duets, and ensembles.

Performance Dates: May 31 & June 1, 2024

Puccini’s “Tosca” will be performed in a fully staged production featuring the New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus, and led by Maestro Joseph Rescigno.

Performance Dates: August 23 & 24, 2024