From Little Island to Long Island, the classic arts scene in New York is never quiet. Here is just a sampling of some of the classic arts events happening this week.

New York City Opera presents Carmen for two free performances in Bryant Park September 4 and 5. Lisa Chavez stars as Carmen, with Jeremy Brauner as Don Jose, Eva Dorofeeva as Micaëla, and Gustavo Feulien as the bullfighter Escamillo. Bizet’s classic opera about a cigarette-factory-worker-turned-smuggler who convinces a soldier to join her life of crime features some of opera's most iconic tunes, which have been frequently heard in pop culture ranging from Sesame Street to The Bad News Bears.

Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo stars as opera diva Maria Magdalena Galas in Charles Ludlam’s Galas, opening at Little Island September 6. Eric Ting directs the 1983 comedy, which is inspired by the life of Maria Callas. The production, running through September 28, also stars Carmelita Tropicana, Mary Testa, Caleb Eberhardt, Erin Markey, Patricia Black, Samora la Perdida, Austin Durant, and Jeremy Rafal.

The Chen Family Quartet, comprising violinists Robert and Laura Chen, violist Beatrice Chen, and cellist Noah Chen, will perform at BargeMusic September 6, giving renditions of Mozart’s Divertimento in B-flat Major, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11, and Janáček’s String Quartet No. 2. BargeMusic will next present cellist Arkady Orlovsky and pianist Tamara Orlovsky in a recital September 7, featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Ravel, and Mussorgsky.

Dancers from the Limón Dance Company will give a free modern dance class the morning of Saturday September on the lawn of Bryant Park. The class is open to all ages and experience levels.

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