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Festival Napa Valley is pleased to announce the commissioning of The Judgment of Paris, a one-act opera composed by Jake Heggie with a libretto by Gene Scheer. Inspired by the 1976 blind tasting that upended the global wine industry and redefined California’s place in the world, this opera is a compelling, humorous, and richly entertaining work that will resonate with audiences far beyond the wine world.
The commission has received widespread media attention, with coverage from the Associated Press, The Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, and The Violin Channel among other publications.
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer — two of the most sought-after figures in contemporary opera — have enthusiastically agreed to take on this project despite their demanding schedules. Heggie, recently honored as Musical America’s Composer of the Year and an Opera America Hall of Fame inductee, brings his unparalleled ability to craft music that is both sophisticated and accessible. Scheer, his longtime collaborator, is known for his insightful and emotionally resonant libretti. Together, their work has graced the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and London’s most prestigious theaters.
2026 marks a momentous year for this project, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the 20th anniversary of Festival Napa Valley. These milestones make this opera not only a celebration of history, but also an integral and highly visible part of this landmark year.
The opera will take a lighthearted yet insightful approach to this pivotal event. Through a dynamic score and a witty, engaging libretto, The Judgment of Paris will capture the spirit of innovation, rivalry, and the underdog triumph that reshaped an entire industry.
The world premiere will take place at Festival Napa Valley on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The production will feature:
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking new work by two of opera’s greatest creative forces. The Judgment of Paris is poised to become a signature piece in contemporary opera, blending history, humor, and a celebration of California’s revolutionary role in the global wine industry. Funders will not only support an important cultural milestone but also play a key role in shaping a new American opera that will have lasting significance beyond the operatic and wine communities internationally.
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