In addition, the company will offer 100 $25 tickets to the opening-night performance of Richard Strauss's Capriccio on September 7.

On September 8, the company presents a concert of highlights from the 2005-06 season, which features such operas as Sullivan's Patience, Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia, Puccini's Turandot, Portman's The Little Prince, Loesser's The Most Happy Fella, Adamo's Lysistrata, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Bizet's Carmen, and Handel's Acis and Galatea, along with Capriccio.

The evening also features a performance by pop singer Rufus Wainwright.

On September 9, the festival presents Puccini's Madama Butterfly, introduced by actress Cynthia Nixon. Ari Pelto conducts City Opera's orchestra.

All tickets for the highlights concert and Madama Butterfly are $25.

Tickets, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are available during City Opera's Afternoon Arias program at Bryant Park on August 12, 19, and 26, and at the New York State Theater box office on and after August 22.