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Napa, CA — The beloved concert series It’s a Grand Night for Singing continues on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM at the Jarvis Conservatory, featuring an engaging evening of opera, musical theater, and art song performed by a dynamic lineup of Bay Area artists.The evening will be accompanied by pianist Chun Mei Wilson, an active and highly respected performer throughout the Bay Area. Ms. Wilson has appeared at venues including St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University, and performs regularly with Festival Opera and Livermore Valley Opera. She is also a frequent collaborator for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and worked closely with legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade for over a decade. Her depth of experience and musical sensitivity make her a sought-after collaborator across the region.
Serving as host is mezzo-soprano Charlie Whitaker, a versatile performer whose artistry spans jazz, classical, choral, rock, and pop. A graduate of Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College, Whitaker performs widely throughout the Bay Area, bringing warmth, depth, and a strong connection to audiences.
The concert features a vibrant mix of returning favorites and exciting local talent. Soprano Cris Walker is known for her warm, clear tone and expressive performances across genres. In addition to performing, Walker co-owns Music to My Ears in Cotati and co-founded the nonprofit Up Street Music Patrons, both dedicated to expanding access to music education and performance opportunities.
Joining her is soprano Larissa Waldie, an emerging dramatic soprano and dedicated educator in the North Bay. Lorenz performs with numerous regional opera companies and is deeply committed to outreach and arts accessibility through her teaching and nonprofit work.
Also featured is rising young performer Grace Warden, a senior at Pacific Independent Academy with extensive experience in local theater. A recent Miss Sonoma County’s Teen 2025 titleholder, Warden brings charisma, poise, and a strong stage presence to every performance.
Vocalist and songwriter Carlie Dolcini brings a unique and contemporary voice to the program. Performing since the age of five, Carlie is equally at home accompanying herself at the piano as she is center stage in musical theater productions. A mezzo-soprano with a remarkable four-octave range, she has performed roles ranging from Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz to Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. Her recent sold-out solo showcase featured original songs and culminated in a powerful duet with her mentor, Larissa Lorenz. Carlie is a compelling and evolving artist not to be missed.
Tenor Ross Halper brings decades of performance experience to the stage, with a repertoire spanning many of opera’s most iconic roles. He has performed leading roles such as Don José in Carmen, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Manrico in Il Trovatore, among many others. Ross has appeared with numerous Bay Area companies including Pocket Opera, Cinnabar Theater, Verismo Opera, and North Bay Opera, and remains an active performer in concerts and opera productions throughout the region. In addition to his performing career, he has served his musical community through choral work and arts organizations, bringing both artistry and dedication to every performance .
Composer, songwriter, and vocalist Tommy Paquet brings a distinctive and globally influenced voice to the program. Blending elements of world, indie, and pop music, their work is shaped by a deep curiosity for language, travel, and cultural exchange. Raised between Canada and California, Paquet is fluent in both English and French—an influence that can be heard in their nuanced phrasing and lyrical sensibility. Having written music since the age of twelve, they have developed a strong and personal approach to composition and storytelling.
The program will include selections from beloved operas such as Bizet’s Carmen, musical theater favorites as well as original works and intimate art song duets by Mendelssohn and Quilter—offering a rich and varied musical experience.
It’s a Grand Night for Singing is the longest-running concert series at the Jarvis Conservatory, known for its welcoming atmosphere and eclectic programming that celebrates both emerging and established artists.
Tickets are $20, available at the door or online
. Box office opens at 6:00 PM, with general seating beginning at 6:30 PM.
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Event Venue
1711 Main St, Napa, CA, United States, California 94559
Tickets
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