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The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, an award-winning ensemble led by Francisco J. Núñez, returns to Festival Napa Valley for a celebratory and uniquely American concert. The evening includes the world premiere of Polaris by Nia Imani Franklin, an anthem that pays tribute to the making of Juneteenth a national holiday, and an arrangement of Gordon Getty’s celebrated choral work, Young America. Renowned baritone Lester Lynch reunites with the chorus for a selection of hymns and spirituals. Also performing are the winners of this year’s Manetti Shrem Opera Prize: soprano Mikayla Sager and tenor Mario Chang.
The Young People's Chorus of NYC appearance is made possible by support from First Republic Bank.
Performers
Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow and Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year, is a composer, conductor, and leading figure in music education. In founding the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Núñez created an awareness of the ability of young people to rise to unforeseen artistic heights.
Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC) is a multicultural youth chorus, internationally renowned for its superb virtuosity, brilliant showmanship, and innovative model of diversity. Founded by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez, YPC’s spectacular artistry has been showcased in award-winning performances around the world.
Celebrated as “a born bel canto tenor” by the New York Times, Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang has appeared on such renowned stages as the Metropolitan Opera and Los Angeles Opera, as well as with acclaimed orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and National Symphony Orchestra.
As stated by Lindsay Bierman, former chancellor of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Nia Imani Franklin is "a remarkable young woman who embodies the power of the arts to enrich and transform lives." Franklin was a recipient of the Kenan Fellowship at Lincoln Center Education, as well as Miss New York 2018 and Miss America 2019. She currently works as a composer and artistic leader, empowering women in music through her organization "Compose Her."
Acclaimed by opera and concertgoers worldwide, Lester Lynch is regarded not only as a true Verdi baritone, but also as one of today’s foremost interpreters of American spirituals and contemporary opera.
Praised for her "pure, lyrical and soaring voice" (Allegri con fuoco), Canadian soprano Mikayla Sager is a rising soprano with an affinity for the grand bel canto repertoire.
Venue
CIA at Copia
Located in the Oxbow District, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia offers an array of enticing culinary experiences delivered by CIA chefs and experts, including hands-on cooking and beverage classes; lively public events and art exhibits; a signature garden-to-table restaurant; an exclusive 3D interactive dining experience; and The Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum.
