performers
Lester Lynch
Acclaimed by opera and concertgoers worldwide, Lester Lynch is regarded not only as a true Verdi baritone, but also as one of today’s foremost interpreters of American spirituals and contemporary opera.
Lynch has appeared at most of Europe’s and North America’s leading opera houses, such as Teatro alla Scala, Covent Garden, Semperoper, Dusseldorf Oper, Welsh National Opera, English Nation Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, Detroit Metro Opera, Minneapolis Opera, LA Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Washington National Opera. He has also sung with the leading orchestras of the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, National Symphony, and Cleveland Orchestra.
Lynch released his debut album in 2017 and can be heard on numerous other recordings, such as San Francisco Opera’s Porgy and Bess and Gordon Getty’s Joan and the Bells. Upcoming performances include appearances in Russia, England, Spain, German, and the United States.
Lynch’s recent recording of spirituals and hymns On My Journey Now on Pentatone was received with great acclaim. His recording of the role of Iago in Verdi’s Otello with the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Portugal will soon be released, also on the Pentatone label.
Performances
Gordon Getty's celebrated opera reimagined for film, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, receives a special screening at the historic Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. Getty’s fourth opera is based on the popular 1934 book Goodbye, Mr. Chips and other stories by James Hilton. Directed by Brian Staufenbiel, the film features tenor Nathan Granner, soprano Marnie Breckenridge, baritone Lester Lynch, and bass-baritone Kevin Short. The orchestra of stellar Bay Area players is conducted by Nicole Paiement. Members of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, conducted by Francisco J. Núñez, also perform.
Maestro Constantine Orbelian leads Festival Orchestra Napa and a stellar lineup of soloists in Seasons of Hope, an evening of works featuring stories of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper and vocal ensemble Volti perform Lera Auerbach’s Symphony No. 6, Vessels of Light, a piece dedicated to the extraordinary heroism of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II.
Acclaimed baritone Lester Lynch joins pianist Kevin Korth for a recital featuring a diverse range of musical styles and genres, all showcasing his versatility and artistry. Lynch performs beloved songs by Gabriel Fauré, Modest Mussorgsky, and Aaron Copeland, favorites from the Broadway hit, Kiss Me, Kate, and folk songs by renowned composer Gordon Getty.