(Photos by Octavio Valencia)

Festival Napa Valley has concluded a historic production of “Don Pasquale.”

The Donizetti classic was presented at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for Performing Arts at UC Davis on Friday, Nov. 15, marking the first-ever staged opera at the venue.

“We are honored to have partnered with Festival Napa Valley to present this exceptional production at the Mondavi Center,” said Jeremy Ganter, Executive Director of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis, in an official press release. “This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to delivering outstanding cultural programming that enriches the lives of our community members.”

Festival Napa Valley presented the production in Napa in July 2023 as part of its Manetti Shrem opera program. The work starred soprano Vanessa Becerra as Norina, tenor Jonah Hoskins as Ernesto, baritone Alexey Lavrov as Dr. Malatesta, and bass-baritone Matt Burns as Don Pasquale. Conductor Noah Lindquist led Festival Orchestra Napa and the production was directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini.

This rendition of “Don Pasquale” is set for further tour dates in 2025.

“Touring a fully staged opera like ‘Don Pasquale’ is a testament to how Festival Napa Valley continues to grow and evolve as a leader in the arts,” added Charles Letourneau, Festival Napa Valley’s Executive Vice President and Director of Artistic Planning. “It’s exciting to reach new audiences and broaden the impact of our work.