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Gordon Getty, a legend of the arts world and one of Festival Napa Valley’s founding benefactors, will be presented the Angels of the Arts Award in a gala ceremony at the San Francisco War Memorial Green Room on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The elegant evening includes intimate musical performances, a gourmet dinner, Napa wines, and tributes from vintners and world-renowned artists.
The Angels of the Arts Award is Festival Napa Valley’s highest honor, celebrating outstanding contributions to the arts.
“Gordon Getty is a true angel of the arts,” said Festival Napa Valley President and CEO Rick Walker. “His artistry and generosity have made a profound impact on audiences and arts organizations across the globe, and we are proud of our association with him as an artistic partner, supporter, vintner, and most of all, friend. We are honored to celebrate him with the Angels of the Arts Award.”
The ceremony takes place at San Francisco War Memorial’s storied Green Room, in the heart of the city where he discovered and honed his passion for music. Guests will enjoy dinner prepared by culinary stars Sarah and Evan Rich, the duo behind San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Rich Table. The courses will be paired with wines from Festival Napa Valley partner wineries Darioush, Alpha Omega, HALL, Adaptation, and Boisset Collection.
The evening’s performers include sopranos Alexandra Armantrading, Lisa Delan, and Melody Moore; mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade; tenor Nathan Granner; baritone Lester Lynch; pianist Kevin Korth; and composer Jake Heggie.
Getty’s compositions have been performed to critical acclaim around the world, with some of the most memorable performances having taken place in California. The San Francisco Symphony premiered his first opera, Plump Jack, in 1984, San Francisco Opera gave the U.S. premiere of his opera Usher House in 2014, and Festival Napa Valley presented the world premiere of his opera reimagined for film, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, in 2021.
For more information about the Angels of the Arts Gala, please contact concierge@festivalnapavalley.org.