January 30, 2010
Underwritten in part by Presentation Circle Artists Berit and Robert Muh and Benefactors Anne and Greg Evans and The Jewish Community of Napa Valley
Napa Valley Opera House Anniversary Kick-Off Event
January 30, 2010
It’s a milestone year for the Napa Valley Opera House! On January 30th, we honored the 130th anniversary of the Opera House’s first performance in January 1880 with an event featuring renowned soprano Ruth Ann Swenson followed by a reception in the Cafe Theatré featuring: a string quartet comprised of members of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony, complimentary Domaine Carneros sparkling wine, a festive, costumed production by Dance Through Time, food by Elaine Bell Catering, Melissa Teaff Catering, Angele Restaurant, Kara’s Cupcakes, and Alexis Baking Company and the unveiling of rarely-seen historic photos and memorabilia
With her performance, Ruth Ann Swenson, accompanied by Whitney Crist on piano, honored the tradition of Luisa Tetrazzini, the widely famous Italian soprano of the early 1900s who performed on the Opera House stage. Ms. Swenson has won critical acclaim for her performances in the world’s major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opera National de Paris, Royal Opera Covent Garden, and Berlin State Opera, as well as in many other international opera houses and concert halls. She is praised as an artist with an instrument of uncommon warmth and beauty matched by dazzling technical abilities. She will perform pieces by Handel and Gershwin, tunes from Broadway and film, and a tribute to Tetrazzini.
In the News
Napa Valley Register: Star power kicks off Napa Valley Opera House celebration (Jan 13, 2010)
Napa Valley Register: Opera House gathers artifacts for gala anniversary party (Jan 27, 2010)
Please click the thumbnail images below for high-resolution versions.
Photos by: Robb McDonough
Napa Valley Opera House Anniversary Kick-Off Event
January 30, 2010
It’s a milestone year for the Napa Valley Opera House! On January 30th, we honored the 130th anniversary of the Opera House’s first performance in January 1880 with an event featuring renowned soprano Ruth Ann Swenson followed by a reception in the Cafe Theatré featuring: a string quartet comprised of members of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony, complimentary Domaine Carneros sparkling wine, a festive, costumed production by Dance Through Time, food by Elaine Bell Catering, Melissa Teaff Catering, Angele Restaurant, Kara’s Cupcakes, and Alexis Baking Company and the unveiling of rarely-seen historic photos and memorabilia
With her performance, Ruth Ann Swenson, accompanied by Whitney Crist on piano, honored the tradition of Luisa Tetrazzini, the widely famous Italian soprano of the early 1900s who performed on the Opera House stage. Ms. Swenson has won critical acclaim for her performances in the world’s major opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opera National de Paris, Royal Opera Covent Garden, and Berlin State Opera, as well as in many other international opera houses and concert halls. She is praised as an artist with an instrument of uncommon warmth and beauty matched by dazzling technical abilities. She will perform pieces by Handel and Gershwin, tunes from Broadway and film, and a tribute to Tetrazzini.In the News
Napa Valley Register: Star power kicks off Napa Valley Opera House celebration (Jan 13, 2010)
Napa Valley Register: Opera House gathers artifacts for gala anniversary party (Jan 27, 2010)
Please click the thumbnail images below for high-resolution versions.
Photos by: Robb McDonough
 NVOH Trustees Margrit Biever Mondavi & Bob Muh |  NVOH Board of Trustees |
 NVOH Trustees Alexis Handelman & Usha Burns with Debb Almeida |  NVOH Trustees Bob Almeida & Greg Tucker with Sara Tucker |
 An 1800s ball gown borrowed from Dance Through Time | NVOH supporters Moira and Lee Block |
 Dance Through Time performers: Carlos Venturo & Laura Bernasconi |  Dance Through Time performers: Carlos Venturo & Laura Bernasconi |
 Kristina Young & James Byrum of the Napa Valley Arts Council with NVOH Marketing Director Julie Dalrymple | |
 Mayor of Napa Jill Techel and NVOH Artistic Director Evy Warshawski on stage in front of the historic drop curtain |  NVOH staff members Richard Aldrich & Julie Dalrymple dressed for the historic evening |
 Dance Through Time performers: Carlos Venturo & Laura Bernasconi |  The Cafe Theatre decorated for the reception |
One hundred and thirty years ago, in January 1880, the Napa Valley Opera House opened its doors for the first time. From Jack London to Steve Martin, John Philip Sousa to Wynton Marsalis, Luisa Tetrazzini to Joan Baez, the Opera House has held audiences enthralled by legends of their time. Singers, musicians, writers, dancers and speakers have graced the stage since the doors opened. We invite you to a year-long celebration of 130 years of imagination, renovation and artistic excellence.
We will soon announce additional performances that pay tribute to some of the historic Opera House presentations.
Click here for Opera House historic photos
We will soon announce additional performances that pay tribute to some of the historic Opera House presentations.
Click here for Opera House historic photos