“Music, education, culture, and wine: these are powerful unifiers for all of us,” said Festival Napa Valley President and CEO Rick Walker when he announced a multiyear artistic exchange with China. Unveiled December 6 with the signing of an MOU with Beijing Poly Theatre Management Company, which operates more than 80 theaters across China and celebratory concerts at the U.S. Embassy’s Beijing American Center and The Peninsula Shanghai, the Festival Napa Valley / China Cultural Exchange aims to foster collaboration and dialogue through music, education, food and wine events, and cultural tourism.
The signing ceremony took place at the Beijing Poly Theatre, an iconic venue symbolizing China’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees included Festival Napa Valley Vice President Charles Letourneau, Chief Sponsorship Officer Hilary Vartanian, and Executive Producer Sienna Peck. Poly Theatres’ leadership was represented by Wang Bo, chairman of Poly Culture, and Yao Rui, general manager of the Poly Theatre Management Company. “This initiative showcases how music can bridge linguistic and cultural divides, deepening understanding through shared artistic experiences,” remarked Charles Letourneau.
Through this partnership, Festival Napa Valley will highlight Chinese artists and repertoire in its year-round programming, including a Lunar New Year celebration at The St. Regis San Francisco on February 6, featuring the Beijing Guitar Duo and a Novack Concert for Kids in Napa on February 7 with guitarist Meng Su. The 2025 summer season will feature several Chinese artists and programs, including pianist An Tianxu and a performance of the iconic “Butterfly Lovers” violin concerto on opening weekend, July 11-12. In spring 2026, Festival Orchestra Napa will tour China, further solidifying the cultural bridge.
Education is a cornerstone of the exchange. Select college and preprofessional musicians from China will have the opportunity to participate in Festival Napa Valley’s summer instrumental and vocal training academies. Students selected from these programs will have the chance to join the Festival Orchestra on its spring 2026 China tour. Additionally, a group of talented high school students from China will participate in educational and performance programs in Napa Valley during the 2025 summer season.
The U.S. Embassy hosted a reception and concert celebrating the cultural exchange at the embassy’s Beijing American Center, where the announcement was enthusiastically received by an audience representing the U.S. and China. Wines featured at the celebratory reception included Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz, and Champagne. Guests enjoyed a performance by Broadway singer and actress Christina Maxwell, pianist Rieko Tsuchida, and violinist Sienna Peck.
The celebration continued in Shanghai on December 8 with a sold-out Olivia Decker Power of Music concert at the famed Peninsula Hotel. Olivia Decker, a longtime patron and Festival Napa Valley board member, was on hand to toast the event with exquisite Napa wines, including Bella Oaks Le Génie Cabernet Sauvignon, Kinsman Eades Aisana Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon, and Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Olivia’s unwavering support and vision have been pivotal in realizing this cultural exchange,” said Walker. “Her leadership exemplifies the unifying spirit of the arts.”
This initiative “showcases the power of music as a cornerstone of U.S.-China diplomacy,” remarked Colleen Altstock, Acting Deputy Consul General, U.S. Consulate Shanghai, in welcoming guests. “Music is more than just entertainment—it is a means of connection. It brings us together, offering a way to understand each other’s stories and dreams.”
Beyond the music, this partnership emphasizes community and cultural investment. The exchange creates a platform for artists and students to share, learn, and grow, enriching both the American and Chinese cultural landscapes. As Wray Armstrong, chairman of Armstrong Music & Arts, aptly described, this initiative is a “cultural milestone forged through music.”
“This collaboration is an important step in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between our two countries and will have a lasting impact on the artistic and educational communities in San Francisco, Napa Valley, China, and beyond,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed in a letter endorsing the initiative.
Since its inception in 2006, Festival Napa Valley has been a beacon of innovation, blending music, education, wine, and culinary arts to create transformative experiences. This new cultural exchange reflects the FNV’s commitment to global dialogue and its mission to inspire through the arts. Visit festivalnapavalley.org for more information about upcoming events and the China Cultural Exchange.