Founded in 2006 and previously known as Festival del Sole, the Festival Napa Valley has undergone a name change, but is still committed to offering diverse and culturally uplifting concerts featuring international stars of opera, jazz and dance alongside fine food and wine, happening throughout the valley July 15–24.
This year features headlining appearances by Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, who opens the festival with a concert in Calistoga, and TV performer and personality Wayne Brady, hosting the fundraising Imaginarium Gala, which benefits arts programs in Napa County public schools.
The festival also welcomes wide-ranging musical acts such as Brazilian composer and jazz legend Sérgio Mendes (pictured) and the San Francisco Ballet, which makes its Festival Napa Valley debut with a mixed-repertory program of classical works and contemporary pieces like artistic director Helgi Tómasson’s much-lauded Fifth Season ballet.
And while several events carry a hefty price tag, the festival also offers free community events. A series of young-artist concerts includes performances by award-winning violinist Alexi Kenney, Ukrainian-American soprano Yelena Dyachek, piano prodigy Daniel Hsu and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
The Festival Napa Valley runs Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 24, at various venues in Napa County. festivalnapavalley.org.
