Festival Napa Valley Honors Founding Benefactor & Patron Jan Shrem

By Afton Wooten

(Photo credit: J Henry Fair)

Festival Napa Valley has announced the death of founding benefactor and longtime patron Jan Isaac Shrem.

Sherm’s legacy will live on at Festival Napa Valley through the art programs he supported, including the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Vocal Art Series.

“Jan was a tireless champion of the Festival, and he and his wife Maria Manetti Shrem played an instrumental role in transforming Festival Napa Valley into one of the world’s premier cultural destinations,” said the Festival in a press release. Rick Walker, President and CEO of Festival Napa Valley added, “Jan was more than a benefactor – he was a true friend and an inspiration. His warm spirit, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of the arts have left an indelible mark on our Festival and community. We will miss him greatly and are honored to carry on the mission he so passionately supported.”

Each year, Sherm celebrated his birthday at Festival Napa Valley. This coming summer, the Festival will honor his memory with a special tribute marking his 95th birthday. A performance of opera scenes by the Manetti Shrem Opera Fellows, part of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Opera Program, will be dedicated to his memory. More details regarding the July 16, 2025 concert will be announced closer to the event.

 

 

 

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