Festival Napa Valley: Here’s Every Event You Should Not Miss

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Set in Napa Valley’s magnificent wineries, Festival Napa Valley’s 2018 Summer program is about to entertain and dazzle us again—July 20-29. This year’s headliners are superstar violinist Joshua Bell, 10-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, opera sensation Michael Fabiano, the San Francisco Ballet, and a rare appearance by Grupo Compay Segundo from Havana.

The 2018 season is dedicated to the first responders who saved lives, homes, and properties in the recent wine country wildfires. “With the introduction of three new concert series and a summer music camp, Festival Napa Valley 2018 is the most dynamic season we have presented to date,” Richard Walker, the president and CEO, said in a statement. “The range of music styles, venues, and price options makes it possible for everyone to enjoy Festival Napa Valley.”

The complete schedule of concerts, events, and passes is available online. Or call the box office at 888.337.6272 for more information. Single concert tickets start at $39, while patron experiences begin at $850 and include a tax-deductible donation. On the next page, you’ll find a quick glance at the calendar of events.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

July 18 and 19
– The Chamber Series debuts with twelve free concerts in locations throughout Napa Valley.

July 20
– Soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Jonathan Tetelman perform at the Opening Night celebration at Meadowood with the festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra under Joel Revzen.

July 21
– Grupo Compay Segundo, founded by members of the Buena Vista Social Club, celebrates Trefethen Family Vineyards’ 50th anniversary.

July 22
– Kristin Chenoweth will headline the Arts for All Gala at Hall Winery. Sunday at the Symphony concert honoring first responders features the Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra conducted by Martin West and soprano Lisa Del.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

July 23 and 24
– The highly anticipated Grand Cru Piano Series debuts with the 2017 Gold Medal winners of the Van Cliburn, Beethoven (Vienna), and Montreal International Piano Competitions.

July 24, 26, and 28
– The Bouchaine Young Artist Series presents three admission-free concerts featuring classical stars of tomorrow.

July 25
– Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, headlines Jazz at the Castello.

July 26
– Joshua Bell performs John Corigliano’s complete Academy Award-winning score to The Red Violin with the remastered film, live with the symphony orchestra conducted by Michael Stern.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

July 27
– A new arrangement of John Corigliano’s Pied Piper Fantasy, with Maxim Rubtsov as soloist and members of the Russian National Orchestra; the San Francisco Ballet returns to Napa for the popular Dede Wilsey Dance Gala.

July 28
– The festival celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s centennial with music from West Side Story and other Bernstein works, featuring tenor Michael Fabiano, soprano Larisa Martínez, and Festival Orchestra NAPA under Lawrence Foster.

July 29
– The season closes with a private concert by singer-songwriter Morgan James at Alpha Omega.