Manetti Shrem Opera: Gaetano Donizetti’s DON PASQUALE
The luminous Spanish soprano Serena Sáenz made her U.S. debut as Norina in Donizetti’s classic comedy, Don Pasquale. The stellar cast included tenor Xabier Aduaga as Ernesto, baritone Alexey Lavrov as Dr. Malatesta, and baritone Lucas Meachem as Don Pasquale. Constantine Orbelian led Festival Orchestra Napa in this enduring tale of love and deception. Jean-Romain Vesperini directed.
Patron Dinner at Quintessa
Nestled into the scenic Rutherford hillside, Quintessa is an architectural marvel, a graceful marriage of form and function. Every structure on the estate exudes a simple elegance and sensitivity to the environment, making it one of the most stunning wineries in the Napa Valley.
Valeria and Agustin Huneeus welcomed guests with their renowned generosity and a spectacular meal, thoughtfully paired with Quintessa’s world-famous, handcrafted wines. Guests dined under the stars, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. As the night progressed, a lively Latin dance band took the stage, playing salsa, merengue, samba, and more, as Festival Napa Valley guests kicked up their heels on the dance floor — a spirited end to a magical midsummer evening.
