The Judgment of Paris
SUPPORTING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
A NEW OPERA BY JAKE HEGGIE & GENE SCHEER
We are pleased to invite you to join the Bacchus Society, a circle of passionate supporters helping bring The Judgment of Paris to life in Napa Valley. Inspired by the legendary 1976 blind tasting that transformed the global wine world, the opera blends myth, history, and humor in a bold new work by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer.
New operas are among the most ambitious and resource-intensive artistic ventures, made possible only through the support of visionary patrons. The world premiere will take place Saturday, July 18, 2026 during Festival Napa Valley's Summer Season, marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris and the 20th anniversary of the Festival. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a major new work from its very first note.
The Bacchus Society is a community of patrons united by a passion for artistic discovery, creative risk, and Napa Valley's role as a place where great new work begins. Your support directly fuels the creation of this extraordinary opera and helps bring it to its fullest artistic realization.
Members are recognized in Festival materials, with the option to remain anonymous. Gifts at all levels are warmly welcomed, and each contribution confers Festival Napa Valley patron status, aligned with the level of support.
As a member of the Bacchus Society, you will enjoy behind-the-scenes access and unique opportunities to connect with the artists and the creative process, including: