New York City Opera is proud to announce a special two-night event celebrating the centennial of Giacomo Puccini’s passing. The “Puccini Celebration” will be a part of the Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America on May 31 and June 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This tribute to one of opera’s greatest composers will take place at Bryant Park, NYC.
Event Details
- Date & Time: May 31 & June 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM
- Location: Bryant Park, 42nd Street (Between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas), NYC, NY
- Entry: First-come, first-served basis. No tickets required.
- Amenities: Free picnic blankets available for borrowing.
A Casual and Inclusive Experience
Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances are designed to be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Audience members can expect ample seating and are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy during the performances. For those unable to attend in person, a free nationwide livestream will be available via Bryant Park’s website and social media platforms.
Quotes from Organizers
Michael Capasso, General Director of New York City Opera, expressed his enthusiasm for outdoor performances:
“My favorite part of performing outdoors is how the music soars under the stars. 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 partnership with Bryant Park, we are thrilled to present our favorite offerings for free to thousands of New Yorkers.”
Dan Fishman, Vice President of Public Events at Bryant Park, emphasized the accessibility of these events:
“Picnic Performances aims to make New York City’s extraordinary arts and culture accessible to everyone. Without the barriers of traditional venues and with the help of extraordinary partners including New York City Opera, Bryant Park becomes a great setting for newcomers to hear opera for the first time and for longtime fans to experience these lasting works in a new way.”
About New York City Opera
Dubbed “The People’s Opera” by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia at its founding in 1943, New York City Opera has stayed true to its mission for over 75 years. The organization continues to inspire audiences with innovative and theatrically compelling opera while nurturing promising American artists and building new audiences through affordable ticket prices and extensive outreach and education programs.
Program Highlights
The “Puccini Celebration” will feature selections from every Puccini opera, performed by the New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Maestro Joseph Rescigno. The concerts will include some of the most beloved arias, duets, and ensembles in all of opera, performed by an exceptional lineup of artists:
- Kristin Sampson, soprano
- Ashley Bell, soprano
- Victor Starsky, tenor
- WooYoung Yoon, tenor
- Todd Thomas, baritone
- Tatev Baroyan, soprano
This celebration continues later in the summer with a production of Puccini’s perennial favorite, Tosca, presented by New York City Opera at Bryant Park on Friday, August 23, 2024, and Saturday, August 24, 2024, both at 7:00 PM.
For more information about the event, visit bryantpark.org/picnics.
