Past Events

PRESENTED BY THE MONDAVI CENTER AT UC DAVIS
Experience Donizetti’s classic comedy, Don Pasquale, like never before! Set in vibrant 1980s Miami, the fully staged production is enhanced by Anouar Brissel’s cutting-edge interactive video set. Think pink flamingos, golf carts, and Jazzercise! Starring soprano Vanessa Becerra, tenor Jonah Hoskins, baritone Alexey Lavrov, and bass-baritone Matt Burns. Noah Lindquist leads Festival Orchestra Napa and Jean-Romain Vesperini directs.

Boyd Meets Girl
Open to school groups only. Please contact Festival Napa Valley’s Education Department to attend. Admission-free.
Combining thrilling virtuosity with diverse repertoire ranging from Bach and Debussy to Radiohead and Beyoncé, this dynamic duo of guitarist Rupert Boyd and cellist Laura Metcalf delights audiences of all ages.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC
Boyd Meets Girl, the dynamic duo of Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf, brings their eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music to the Festival Napa Valley stage. Combining thrilling virtuosity with thoughtful, eclectic repertoire from Debussy and Bach to Radiohead and Beyoncé, their performances have delighted audiences worldwide.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC
Join us for an exceptional performance as cellist Eileen Moon, along with Polina Sedukh (violin), David Chernyavsky (violin), Marcel Gemperli (viola), and Jonah Kim (cello), present Franz Schubert's celebrated Cello Quintet. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of Schubert’s greatest compositions performed by an all-star ensemble.

Invitation Only
Festival Napa Valley bids a fond arrivederci to another extraordinary season with a celebratory Wrap Party at Tre Posti. Guests can relive the magic of summer's best moments with friends old and new, while savoring delectable bites crafted by acclaimed Chef Nash Cognetti and delicious wines. A perfect ending to an unforgettable summer season.

Festival Napa Valley’s season comes to a resounding close with an uplifting concert featuring Festival Orchestra Napa and the genre-bending ensemble, Time for Three. Maestro Filippo Ciabatti leads Time for Three in composer Kevin Puts’ GRAMMY® winning, dazzling concerto, Contact, and Ming Luke conducts Festival Orchestra Napa in Stravinsky’s hugely popular Firebird, based on folktales and folk tunes from Russia.

Celebrate the last day of the Festival at Alpha Omega Winery’s annual barbeque brunch, a cherished tradition that captures the essence of summer and the spirit of togetherness. Robin and Michelle Baggett welcome guests to their modern ranch-style Rutherford estate with warmth and effortless hospitality, ensuring that visitors feel like family.

History surrounds you at Charles Krug Winery, the oldest winery in Napa Valley. Established in 1861, this iconic estate has been under the stewardship of the Peter Mondavi Sr. family for four generations. The family has preserved the estate's legacy while also deepening its commitment to innovation and uncompromising quality. Their dedication is reflected in the wines, which serve as artistic expressions of classic Napa Valley terroir.

Experience thrilling onstage alchemy when soprano Brenda Rae and tenor Michele Angelini perform Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. The celebrated stars are joined by bass David Soar, Volti Chorale and five members of BODYTRAFFIC. Carlo Montanaro leads Festival Orchestra Napa in this comedic tale of forbidden love. Jean-Romain Vesperini directs.

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon hosted by Diamond Mountain Vineyard. Festival luncheons provide an intimate opportunity to experience some of Napa Valley’s premier wineries. Prepare to be dazzled by the finest hospitality as you sip wines perfectly paired with lunch among the vines!

Perched at an elevation of 1,700 feet on Howell Mountain, CADE’s 54-acre estate is home to an innovative, state-of-the-art winery, centered around experienced winemaking and exceptional hospitality. Instrumental to capturing and reflecting the estate’s unique terroir is winemaker Danielle Cyrot, whose wines epitomize elegance, power, and approachability. 

Celebrated for her “unbelievably beautiful musicianship” (Classical FM) prodigy harpist Alisa Sadikova has established a reputation as a celebrated soloist, winning many international competitions and performing at concert halls around the globe, including Carnegie Hall and the Vienna State Opera. Her latest solo album Harp Constellation was released last year to critical acclaim.

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is not just a winery, but a dream realized by its visionary owner, Dario Sattui. At its core lies a majestic 13th century Tuscan-style castle spanning an impressive 121,000 square feet, surrounded by lush vineyards and boasting breathtaking views.

Los Angeles’ innovative BODYTRAFFIC brings a lively array of music and movement to this year’s Dance Gala. The program includes a balletic world premiere by choreographer Matthew Neenan; Trey McIntyre’s Blue Until June with songs by Etta James; and the Cuban rhythms of Joan Rodriguez’s Bloque’a, with original music by Pedro Osuna and live accompaniment by renowned cellist SUUVI and GRAMMY® winning percussionist Ricky Matute.

The inception of Arrow&Branch Winery traces back to 2008, when Steve and Seanne Contursi discovered a charming farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, reminiscent of Bordeaux's finest estates. Beginning with a single bottling of Cabernet Franc Blend, they gradually expanded to include wines sourced from renowned sites across Napa Valley. The moniker Arrow&Branch, symbolizing peace and strength, pays homage to their family's esteemed legacy in the rare coin industry. It also mirrors the imagery found on US coinage — a commanding eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.

featuring Pomellato
The name of this revered estate — Far Niente — comes from an Italian phrase that whimsically translates to “without a care." While that’s how guests will feel while strolling the grounds of this stunning Napa winery, the reality is quite different. Great care has been devoted to this historic property — from its nineteenth-century origins and restoration in the 1970s to the rise of its acclaimed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Rieko Tsuchida returns to the Festival Napa Valley stage for her Summer Season debut to perform renditions of famous works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Fazil Say, and Isaac Albéniz.

Peter Newton envisioned “a place of beauty and a joy to visit” when he founded Sterling Vineyards in 1964. And that’s exactly what guests will experience when they dine at this iconic winery. Inspired by the architecture of the Greek Isles and set high on a hilltop in Calistoga — accessed by Napa Valley’s only aerial tram — Sterling Vineyards is simply breathtaking.

The 2024 Manetti Shrem Opera Fellows perform a showcase of favorite opera scenes together with Festival Orchestra Napa. The program also features Volti Chorale in the world premiere of composer Gordon Getty’s Old Man in the Snow, in the first performance of the Old Man triptych. Ming Luke, Dana Sadava, and Zach Salsburg-Frank conduct.

This event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Acclaimed American soprano Lisa Delan, pianist Kevin Korth, and clarinetist David Barnett perform a recital of art songs, including the world premiere of Jake Heggie's Unlocked together with his Three Folk Songs. The program also includes Carl Loewe’s Scottish Images and selections from Louis Spohr's rarely performed Six German Songs.

It’s not every day you get to linger on the picturesque grounds of a legendary, award-winning winery. This afternoon is just such a rare occasion. Renowned for its role in shaping Napa Valley’s international acclaim as a world-class wine region, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars ​​​​​is a singular presence.

Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than at St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, a place where environmental stewardship and exceptional wines go hand in hand. At this delicious farm-to-table luncheon beneath a picturesque canopy of oaks, guests will be treated to a food and wine pairing set against the backdrop of beautiful sprawling vineyards.

This event is admission-free. Reservations are required.
Festival Napa Valley celebrates the publication of poet and composer Gordon Getty's volume of poetry, Upon a Day (2024, Authority Publishing). The event features a poetry reading by the author and book signing as well as a reception with light refreshments.

Open to families with children. Adults must be accompanied by a child to attend. Admission-free.
Twenty-one-year-old pianist Daniela Liebman is a rising star. Named one of the “40 Most Creative Mexicans in the World” and “100 Most Creative and Powerful Women” by Forbes Mexico, Liebman shares her extraordinary talents with young Festival audiences in a bilingual morning of music and creativity.

A legend in Napa Valley winemaking since 1886, Freemark Abbey is steeped in history and renowned for innovation – from its founding by one of the valley’s first female vintners to establishing one of the region’s earliest wine libraries to pioneering single vineyard wines. Today, winemaker Kristy Melton shepherds the production of its internationally esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux style wines with forward-thinking vision, love of tradition, and expert finesse.

Festival Napa Valley commemorates the 100th birthday of the legendary film and television composer, Henry Mancini. His extensive repertoire boasts timeless classics such as "Moon River," "The Pink Panther Theme," and "Days of Wine and Roses." This centennial tribute features The Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, joined by Henry’s daughter, two-time GRAMMY® nominated vocalist Monica Mancini, eight-time GRAMMY® winner Gregg Field, and Steinway piano artist and multi-GRAMMY® nominated arranger and producer Shelly Berg.

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is a sight to behold. Established by Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto in 2007, it boasts a cathedral-like structure that pays homage to the family's Venetian roots dating back to 1150. The spectacular building is a must-see marvel in Napa Valley, drawing inspiration from the 12th century Venetians' desire to create a beautiful world through architecture.

featuring Pomellato
Experience the epitome of Napa Valley luxury at Davis Estates, where the artistry of winemaking meets timeless elegance. Nestled just north of St. Helena on Silverado Trail, Davis Estates stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Davis family.

This event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Twenty-one-year-old pianist Daniela Liebman has rapidly established herself as an artist of eloquence, poise, and nuance. She was named one of the “40 Most Creative Mexicans in the World” and “100 Most Creative and Powerful Women” by Forbes Mexico. Liebman brings her extraordinary talents to CIA at Copia for this Bouchaine Young Artist concert.

La Dolce Vita continues with a feast for the senses at Raymond Vineyards, where owner Jean-Charles Boisset invites guests to explore the art of wine on a sensory level, a magical experience he describes in his book, Alchemy of the Senses.

Experience the essence of la dolce vita at this historic evening honoring the Academy Award-winning actress and silver screen icon, Sophia Loren. Festivities begin at Charles Krug, where the Festival celebrates Loren’s legacy with a captivating concert bringing together exceptional music, talent, and family. Maestro Carlo Ponti, Sophia Loren’s son, leads his dynamic Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, and Carlo’s own son, 16-year-old pianist Vittorio Ponti, makes his festival debut.

As soon as guests pass through the main gate at Sundance Ranch and follow the paddock-lined driveway to Tamber Bey, they know they’ve arrived somewhere special. A horse farm with a winery, a winery that is home to horses – either way, it is unique.

featuring fashion by St. John
One of wine country’s standout luxury resorts, Alila Napa Valley invites guests to immerse themselves in charm and splendor. Just steps from downtown St. Helena, Alila is an ideal setting to experience what makes the Napa Valley so extraordinary – from its stunning countryside to its epicurean lifestyle.

B Cellars has long been celebrated for its commitment to exceptional food and wine experiences. This legacy can be traced back to the fateful day in 2002 when co-founders Jim Borsack and Duffy Keys met at a Fourth of July barbecue, where they bonded over their shared love of Cabernet Sauvignon and their dream of crafting complex, perfectly balanced, artisanal wines.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a lively chamber concert featuring violinist Geneva Lewis, cellist Julia Yang, and pianist Audrey Vardanega.

Invitation Only
One of the world’s most prestigious wine dynasties, the Antinori Family invites guests to a spectacular dinner at Antinori Napa Valley, where their six-century legacy is brought to life in every sip and every bite. Nestled in the rugged Vaca Mountain range, 1,600 feet above the Napa Valley floor, the estate is a testament to Marchese Piero Antinori's dream of crafting sublime Napa Valley wines.

This event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Noted as the first and only flute and percussion ensemble, Solidaire brings its innovative musical sensibility to the Festival Live! stage, performing contemporary classical compositions.

This year’s Gala is headlined by international superstar Lionel Richie, an Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and four-time GRAMMY® award winner. Richie will bring his powerhouse vocals to Nickel & Nickel to perform a selection of his chart-topping hits. Guests will enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared by rising star chef Elliot Bell, owner of Charlie's in St. Helena.

Elegance is the watchword for today's garden party luncheon at Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery. Rooted deeply in Napa Valley history, winegrowing, and agricultural heritage, Spottswoode is dedicated to crafting wines of unparalleled quality, each vintage authentically expressing both time and place. The storied vineyard and winery is renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, described by Paul Lukacs in The Great Wines of America as the “Grace Kelly of Napa Valley wines.”

In the world of fine wine, excellence is a goal to be continually strived for, sometimes taking decades to achieve. Over the course of more than 40 years, Turnbull Wine Cellars has evolved from being one of Oakville’s first modern wineries to securing a place among the most revered producers of Cabernet Sauvignon.

For those who appreciate the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, few names have more cachet than ADAMVS. Expressive and elegant, ADAMVS wines are produced from grapes grown on a 28-acre mosaic of small vineyard blocks on Howell Mountain, perched nearly 2,000 feet above the valley fog, amidst fir and oak forests.

Heralded for her “exquisite playing” (New York Classical Review) and recognized as "clearly one to watch" (Musical America), violinist Geneva Lewis captivates audiences with her heartfelt expression and consummate artistry. This rising star takes the stage with pianist Audrey Vardanega.

ONEHOPE Winery is dedicated to world-class wines and worldwide impact. Not only have their wines garnered international awards, but ONEHOPE has contributed more than $10 million to local and global causes. On this elegant evening, guests will gather in the modern elegance of their Howard Backen–designed winery to celebrate a shared sense of purpose while dining on spectacular seasonal cuisine.

Conductor Filippo Ciabatti leads Festival Orchestra Napa in a lively concert featuring two classical superstars. Ray Chen, hailed as “one of the finest violinists of his generation” (Los Angeles Times), performs Mendelssohn’s masterful Violin Concerto. Festival favorite Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue — a lively work combining elements of jazz, classical and popular music, and one of America’s most famous orchestral pieces — marking its 100th anniversary.

Joining live music with ​​exceptional food and wine, Festival Napa Valley’s annual signature tasting event, the Taste of Napa, celebrates the bounties of Napa Valley, sharing Wine Country’s gracious hospitality with visitors and locals alike. Taste of Napa guests may sample fare from wineries, breweries, craft beverages, restaurants, and culinary artisans. 

HALL Napa Valley embodies the dreams of Kathryn and Craig Hall, a couple known for their commitment to sustainable winemaking practices and their passion for hospitality and art. The Halls invite guests to an exquisite dinner at their circa 1885 Bergfeld Winery, a destination that seamlessly merges tradition with innovation, proudly holding the title of California's first LEED® Gold Certified winery.

Festival Napa Valley kicks off its 18th summer season in grand style with a concert featuring a world premiere and three internationally renowned stars. South African soprano Pretty Yende, who sang at the coronation of King Charles III last year, joins tenor Jonathan Tetelman to perform a selection of favorite opera arias and duets under the baton of Maestro Carlo Montanaro. Sol by composer Yang Bao, who captivated audiences at the Festival last summer, opens the program as an Opus One Premiere.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a lively vocal recital featuring Manetti Shrem Opera Program Vocalists.

Invitation Only
Art, beauty, food, and wine unite at the annual Founders Dinner, hosted this year by Allan and Mei Warburg at The Donum Estate. The evening is a tribute to the visionaries and patrons whose support launched Festival Napa Valley in 2006, and to major supporters of the 2024 season.

Open to families with children. Adults must be accompanied by a child to attend. Admission-free.
The moving style and rich cultural history of Spanish Flamenco takes center stage in this energetic performance, promising an electrifying morning of music and dance tailored for young audiences. Ready your hands for rhythmic clapping and prepare to exclaim ¡Olé!

Marriage Italian Style (Matrimonio all’Italiana), directed by Vittorio De Sica, 1964, 101 mins
Adapted from the play Filumena Marturano by Eduardo De Filippo, this romantic comedy-drama was the fourth film directed by De Sica starring Loren and the second to feature Marcello Mastroianni. Using sly humor, the film tells the story of an unorthodox romantic relationship that began outside of a Neapolitan brothel during a World War II bombing and continues in fits and starts for 22-years. Referred to as “wonderfully flamboyant” by critics at the time of its release, it garnered Academy Award nominations in 1966 for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actress (for Loren).

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a lively chamber concert featuring The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley's Blackburn Music Academy students and faculty.

It Started in Naples, directed by Melville Shavelson, 1960, 100 mins
Set in timelessly picturesque Rome, Naples, and Capri, this charming romantic comedy pairs Loren as a cabaret dancer and Clark Gable as a grieving American, together navigating the unexpected custodianship of a spirited nine-year-old Neapolitan-American boy. Full of wit, whimsy, and lighthearted Italian songs, the film was one of Gable’s last.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a lively chamber concert featuring The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley's Blackburn Music Academy students and faculty.

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow  (Ieri, Oggi, e Domani), directed by Vittorio De Sica, 1963, 118 minutes
Winner of the 1965 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this comedy anthology stars S Loren and Marcello Mastroianni to explore the stories of three couples — all played by Loren and Mastroianni — in different parts of Italy — Naples, Milan, and Rome — creating a full portrait of the diverse cultural and social landscapes of the country.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a lively chamber concert featuring The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley's Blackburn Music Academy students and faculty.

Celebrating America’s musical heritage and exploring the intersection of contemporary folk, rock, and classical music, tonight’s program brings together classically trained singer/songwriter Matt Costa and the acclaimed four-piece acoustic band, Young Original. Each will perform original compositions as well as their own arrangements of American Songbook favorites and folk classics.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a entertaining chamber concert featuring The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley's Blackburn Music Academy students and faculty.

This Festival Napa Valley Arts for All event is admission-free. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a energetic chamber concert featuring The Frost School at Festival Napa Valley's Blackburn Music Academy faculty.

Solidaire Trio
Open to school groups only. Please contact Festival Napa Valley’s Education Department to attend. Admission-free.
Noted as the first and only flute, cello, and percussion ensemble, Solidaire Trio brings its innovative musical sensibility to young audiences, performing inspiring contemporary classical compositions.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Noted as the first and only flute, cello, and percussion ensemble, Solidaire Trio brings its innovative musical sensibility to San Francisco, performing contemporary classical compositions.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Returning to the Festival stage by popular demand, the Vitamin String Quartet blends cutting-edge renditions of classical, rock, and pop. With over 2 billion streams and counting, the quartet is currently one of the most popular contemporary string ensembles in the world, familiar to many for their music on Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton.

Festival Orchestra Napa
Open to school groups only. Please contact Festival Napa Valley’s Education Department to attend. Admission-free.
Ming Luke guest conducts Festival Orchestra Napa featuring virtuoso pianist Ronny Michael Greenberg in a fun and informative concert of favorites by Gershwin, Copland, Montgomery, and more.

¡Viva Mariachi!
Open to school groups only. Please contact Festival Napa Valley’s Education Department to attend. Admission-free.
Presented in collaboration with Napa Valley College as part of their 4th Annual ¡Viva Mariachi! celebration, today’s Novack Concert for Kids features a command performance by Mariachi del Valle of Davis Senior High School in Davis, made up entirely of high school students.

featuring Christina Maxwell & Rieko Tsuchida
OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Join us at Related Midwest's newest luxury development, The Row Fulton Market in Chicago, for a very special evening of music and Napa Valley wines. Singer and actress Christina Maxwell, pianist Rieko Tsuchida, and surprise guests will perform favorite film hits ranging from pop to classical to jazz.

Celebrating outstanding contributions to the arts, the Angels of the Arts Award is Festival Napa Valley’s highest honor. In 2024, the Angels of the Arts Award will be presented to composer Gordon Getty in a festive celebratory evening.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Join us for a lively evening of jazz with Cuban-born pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa performing music from his new album, Timba a la Americana, with GRAMMY® winning harmonica master Grégoire Maret, Latin jazz bass great Luques Curtis, and drummer Ruy Adrian López-Nussa.

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Simone Porter and Blake Pouliot have been best friends since they met as students at the Colburn School in Los Angeles 10 years ago – and they happen to be two of the most prodigious young violinists in the world today. Their eclectic program assembles a kaleidoscope of scenes inspired by Southern California, ranging from The Eagles to Stravinsky, and will be performed with their other longtime friend, pianist Hsin-I Huang.

The genre defying Time for Three trio performs a special program of high energy instrumental and vocal compositions including collaborations with members of the Napa Valley College Chorale and Napa High School Chamber Choir. Time for Three creates across the exciting intersection of classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter traditions.

Live Performance and In-Person Field Trip for School Groups. Please contact Festival Napa Valley’s Director of Education to attend. Admission-free. The genre defying and highly acclaimed Time for Three trio performs a special program of high energy instrumental and vocal compositions including collaborations with members of the Napa Valley College Chorale and Napa High School Chamber Choir. Q&A with artists following performance.