Continuing its transformation of the Wine Country into as much a destination for culture as it is for all things wine, Festival Napa Valley announced its lineup for the upcoming Summer Season.
Running July 6-21, the three-week festival offers its signature blend of innovative classical, jazz, contemporary, opera and dance productions — all paired with unique Napa Valley venues and renowned food and wine offerings.
“We present dazzling talent on spectacular stages surrounded by the incomparable beauty of Napa Valley,” said Festival President & CEO Richard Walker in a press release for the festival. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a highlight of the year for guests and artists, both returning and new.”
Festival highlights include a headlining act by Lionel Richie at the Arts for All Gala, accompanied by a dinner from chef Elliot Bell to benefit arts education and the Festival’s community programs. Festival favorite pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet returns this year to perform with violinist Ray Chen in an Olivia Decker Power of Music concert with Festival Orchestra Napa conducted by Filippo Ciabatti.
On the festival’s closing night, Grammy-winning string and vocal ensemble Time for Three will perform the piece that earned them the Grammy, a concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. The ensemble returns after a short performance last year, encoring their time in Napa for a weightier, long-anticipated second appearance.
The festival will also celebrate a number of notable pairings for the 100th Anniversary of American composer Henry Mancini’s birth. Mancini’s daughter, Monica Mancini, will take the stage to pay tribute to her father alongside The Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. A video wall on stage will show archival clips of Henry Mancini as Monica enlightens the audience with stories about her dad in a touching, multi-media tribute.
An homage to screen legend Sophia Loren ahead of her 90th birthday will feature film screenings and the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, conducted by her son Carlo Ponti. The family affair continues with Ponti is joined by son Vittorio Ponti on the piano for his festival debut.
“It’s a full-time job and we work very far in advance,” said Charles Letourneau, co-founder and VP of Artistic Planning for the Festival. With 18 seasons to speak of and a history of sold-out shows, the only criterion that Letourneau uses to curate the program is excellence. “We’re always looking for the best of the best to put on stage,” he said.
In his relentless pursuit to orchestrate an impressive lineup, the main problem that Letourneau has to confront is scheduling. The New York-based co-founder likes to use his immersion in the world of performing arts as a way to keep his ear to the ground regarding new talent. “I’m talent scouting 365 days of the year,” he said, adding that they have to work on these summer festivals sometimes years in advance.
“One thing we’re proud of doing is introducing new artists,” said Letourneau. He explained that when some of these new artists go onto become famous there’s that pride in feeling “we had them first.”
While the festival has adopted loose themes over the years, such as naming 2019 “The Year of the Moon” in honor of 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing, most years aren’t limited to a theme.
“At this point, our festival runs three weeks with dozens of events,” said Letourneau, explaining that it’s difficult to have one theme that encompasses the sheer breadth of the program.
That being said, nothing is truly set in stone when it comes to planning and Letourneau hinted at upcoming years taking on a Shakespearean theme. Themes centered around specific countries might also be on the horizon for the festival, which would emphasize music from international composers and artists.
As Letourneau continues to plan for the future, he already has big things planned for the 20th anniversary in 2026. All years are spectacular, he says, but this one will feature an incredible lineup of artists including the return of some festival favorites.
Performances take place on the Festival Napa Valley Stage at Charles Krug in St. Helena, the Ecolab Theatre and Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater at CIA at Copia in Napa, Nickel & Nickel in Oakville, and at wineries, resorts, and estates throughout Napa Valley. Concert tickets are priced from free to $35. Taste of Napa general admission tickets range from $125 to $295. Patron Passes start at $1,550, with limited quantities available.
