In January 1880, a grand theater in the heart of Napa was unveiled to great fanfare with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s light opera H.M.S. Pinafore. One hundred and thirty years later—after hosting the likes of Jack London and John Philip Sousa, closing for several decades, and then hosting the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Steve Martin—the Napa Valley Opera House has a lot of history to celebrate. Thanks to a valiant rescue and restoration effort, the intimate, elegant hall has survived several earthquakes to stand proud as the cultural center of Napa, and this weekend, no other than famed soprano Ruth Ann Swenson appears in recital to herald the house. Accompanied by Whitney Crist on piano, Swenson pays tribute to Luisa Tetrazzini, the Italian soprano who performed on the Opera House stage in the early century, on Saturday, Jan 30, at the Napa Valley Opera House. 1030 Main St, Napa. 7pm. $75; $130 includes catered afterparty. 707.226.7372.Gabe Meline
.Jan. 30: Ruth Ann Swenson at the Napa Valley Opera House
