This is the story of best friends who become divided when an old love arrives at the paradise island to pray for a healthy pearl harvest. Rather than bringing good fortune, the arrival of Leila inspires old feelings of jealousy, love and longing for two friends who had once vowed never to let love get in the way of friendship.

The opera is known for some of the most poetic music of the 19th century, and Opera San José's version of The Pearl Fishers, or Les Pêcheurs de Perles in French, features the tenor/baritone duet, "Au Fond du Temple."

Traditionally performed in French, English subtitles are provided. Novices should take advantage of "Introduction to Opera," a free, one-hour talk that briefly explains the opera's story and background information on the composer, in this case the French composer Georges Bizet, and prepares an audience for a more comprehensive understanding and enjoyment of the story.

Bizet is most well known for the enduring success of Carmen, an opera set in Spain that has since been updated in movie staring pop singer Beyoncé Knowles. However, the Paris debut of The Pearl Fishers in 1863 was the first of Bizet's operas to receive critical acclaim.

Artists involved in the production take questions from the audience in English, or lay speak. No subtitles needed. Join the conversation prior to each show at 5:30 p.m. for evening performances and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays, the informal tutorial leaves time to catch a meal before the show begins.

Opera San José presents "The Pearl Fishers" at the Montgomery Theater located on Market Street at San Carlos in downtown San Jose. All performances begin at 8 p.m. except Sundays which begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $43 to $63. Call 408.437.4450 or go to www.operasj.org for more information