Festival Napa Valley has announced the world premiere of ‘The Judgment of Paris,” a newly-commissioned opera by renowned composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer.
Debuting on July 18, 2026, at the Festival Napa Valley Stage of Charles Krug Winery, the event comes as part of FNV’s celebratory 20th Anniversary Season and also marks the company’s first commissioned opera.
The work is described in an official press release as “blending myth and modernity, ‘The Judgment of Paris’ reimagines the iconic 1976 blind tasting that put Napa Valley wines on the global stage and forever changed the relationship between tradition and innovation. The opera brings the gods of Olympus together with the pioneers of California winemaking in a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of discovery, creativity, and transformation.”
Directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini and conducted by Kent Nagano, the cast features notable singers such as soprano Danielle De Niese as Venus, baritone Quinn Kelsey as Bacchus, tenor Nicholas Phan as Steven Spurrier, mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh as Patricia Gallagher, and soprano Brenda Rae as Odette Kahn.
There will be a special preview held at Printemps, New York on February 18, 2026. The iconic department store will host a wine tasting and conversation with Heggie, Scheer, and other leaders of this project, as well as a preview performance from Heggie at the piano.
Tickets and further information can be found on Festival Napa Valley’s website.