Festival Napa Valley Welcomed All to the Uytengsu Family Opening Night

On July 12 arts lovers converged on wine country to kick off Festival Napa Valley’s 18th annual summer arts festival. This year’s event opened in grand style, with a concert featuring a world premiere and performances by three internationally renowned stars. “Sol,” by composer Yang Bao, opened the program as an Opus One Premiere. South African soprano Pretty Yende, who sang at last year’s coronation of King Charles III, joined tenor Jonathan Tetelman to perform a selection of favorite opera arias and duets under the baton of Maestro Carlo Montanaro.

Attendees dined at Festival Napa Valley’s Culinary Garden at Charles Krug, choosing from delicacies on offer from Gerard’s Paella, Empress M, Calvisius Caviar Co. and Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream. Meanwhile, festival supporters got the VIP treatment at a dinner hosted by Kathryn and Craig Hall of HALL Napa Valley. Diners were welcomed to the couple’s circa 1885 Bergfeld Winery, where they enjoyed an exquisite dinner and some of the best wines the region has to offer. 

HALL Napa Valley embodies the dreams of Kathryn and Craig Hall, a couple known for their support of sustainable winemaking practices and their passion for hospitality and art. In tribute to Festival Napa Valley’s commitment to the arts, Friday’s dinner immersed guests in the essence of Napa Valley – a celebration of life, history, art and wine.

Festival Napa Valley’s 2024 runs through July 21.