Georges Bizet is most widely known for "Carmen," his last and by far most familiar work. But "The Pearl Fishers," which he wrote when he was only 25 years old, has been growing in popularity with opera aficionados.

Sarasota Opera first staged "The Pearl Fishers" a decade ago. Organizers said that audiences have been asking to see it again. The restaging opens Friday.

"The Pearl Fishers" begins with the duet "Au Fond du Temple Saint," perhaps its best known piece, in which the two protagonists, Nadir and Zurga, reaffirm their pact of friendship. But soon the priestess Leila, with whom they are both in love, unexpectedly comes back into their lives. The passions aroused by the resulting triangle threatens their friendship.

The opera is in French with English supertitles. Robert Tweten conducts.

Details: Feb. 16-March 24 at Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: $19-$125. Information: 941-366-8450 or sarasotaopera.org.

--Marty Clear