Festival Napa Valley has quickly become the best summer cultural experience in the world and a true jewel among opera lovers. The festival runs from July 16 to the 25th, and is considered to be the "10 best days of summer." With generous support from benefactors Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, the festival established programs such as the Shrem Vocal Arts Series which presents international stars in concert halls and intimate settings throughout the Napa Valley region, and the newly launched Manetti Shrem Opera Center, is designed to nurture the creative careers of some of the world’s most talented singers. The program includes fully and semi-staged opera performances; a tuition-free summer conservatory providing advanced study and performance opportunities to college-aged students Photographed: Maria Manetti- and recent graduates; a vocal arts concert series; and the Shrem and Jan Shrem Manetti Shrem Prize, two annual scholarships for
extraordinary opera singers with emerging careers. Participants in the summer conservatory learn from leaders in their field – studying under the guidance of renowned faculty, guest artists, guest conductors, and soloists.
The festival has continued to grow and flourish, featuring the world's top opera singers with names such as Renée Fleming, Kathleen Battle, Lisette Oropesa, Francesco Demuro, Nadine Sierra, Michael Fabiano, Angel Blue, Ildar Abdrazakov, and the list continues. Festival Napa Valley has made a name for themselves as being one of the most culturally refined destinations for the summer with their featured operatic performances and classical music events.
This year, many events have already become sold out, including their opening night concert featuring operatic superstar, Lisette Oropesa, who will be performing on the outdoor stage at the beautiful Charles Krug Estate, Napa Valley's oldest and treasured winery.
Photographed: Lisette Oropesa.
Opera singer and composer, Nia Imani Franklin will be the composer in residence this summer as well as headlining the Novac Concert for Kids series which provides admission-free opportunities for students to attend live concerts in a professional performance setting. Nia Franklin was a recipient of the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education, as well as Miss New York 2018 and Miss America 2019. She currently works as a composer and artistic leader, empowering women in music through her organization "Compose Her."
Photographed: Nia Imani Franklin.
While many come to the festival for their operatic performances, countless are drawn to all of the other musical and cultural experiences offered, the glorious wine and cuisine by top chefs, and the unique activities and special events enjoyed by their guests. They also offer a lot of free events for the community and for youth, making it a premiere destination for those looking to expand their children's cultural horizon and gain access to education and enrichment.
Festival Napa Valley is hands down one of the best summer cultural experiences in the world, and for opera lovers, it's a rare and beloved treasure.
Watch the trailer video below to view some of the highlights planned for the 2021 summer festival.
Check out the festival's official YouTube channel at the link below to view more videos. https://www.youtube.com/c/FestivalnapavalleyOrg/
And visit their website as well to view all of their 2021 summer offerings and to get tickets.
https://festivalnapavalley.org/