A Grand Night for Singing Returns to Jarvis Conservatory!

Join us for another unforgettable evening of music at the Jarvis Conservatory in Historic Downtown Napa! This month’s concert brings together an extraordinary lineup of accomplished vocalists, each with a distinct artistic background and performance style. Audiences will be treated to a thoughtfully curated program of opera, art song, musical theater, and traditional folk music, showcasing both beloved classics and hidden gems from the repertoire.

Meet the Performers:

John Pavik, Pianist
A highly sought-after collaborative pianist, John Pavik brings decades of experience in both vocal and instrumental accompaniment. With a background in classical piano, opera coaching, and choral conducting, John has performed with renowned vocalists across the country. His ability to enhance a singer’s artistry with expressive nuance and technical precision makes him an invaluable presence in this concert series.

Ariana LaMark, Mezzo-Soprano
A multifaceted vocalist, Ariana LaMark has forged a dynamic career as a jazz singer, songwriter, and classical performer. She has fronted Grooveyard Jazz and The Big Easy Big Band, blending technical proficiency with emotional depth. Her ability to shift seamlessly between jazz-inflected phrasing and operatic intensity has made her a standout artist in the Bay Area music scene. Audiences can expect a compelling performance that bridges genres and traditions.

Margaret Starr, Mezzo-Soprano
A dedicated educator and performer, Margaret Starr has built a career rooted in both opera and choral music. As the vocal music teacher at Marin School of the Arts, she has mentored young singers while maintaining an active performance schedule. Her stage credits include Lucia di Lammermoor, La Traviata, and The Old Maid and the Thief, showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. With a voice rich in expression and finely honed technique, Margaret’s performances resonate with both clarity and depth.

Rodrigo Castillo, Baritone
A Sonoma County native with an operatic background, Rodrigo Castillo has performed extensively in both traditional opera and musical theater. His roles range from the brooding Marcello in La Bohème to the comedic Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. Having trained in the Le Chiavi Institute for Bel Canto Studies, Rodrigo brings a refined bel canto technique and a charismatic stage presence that captivates audiences.

Jacques Williams, Lyric Baritone
Known for his profound interpretations of art song, opera, and oratorio, Jacques Williams is a performer of exceptional depth. His recent solo work includes Schubert’s Winterreise, Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel, and Britten’s Songs and Proverbs of William Blake. With training under esteemed mentors such as Barbara Bonney and Heidi Moss Erickson, Jacques possesses an innate ability to communicate the emotional essence of every piece he performs.

Bonnie Brooks, Mezzo-Soprano
With a career spanning opera, oratorio, and musical theater, Bonnie Brooks has built a reputation as a commanding performer with a versatile and powerful mezzo-soprano voice. She has sung principal roles in Carmen, Cosi Fan Tutte, and La Fille du Régiment, and was a longtime member of the San Francisco Opera Chorus. Her ability to transition between grand operatic roles and intimate cabaret-style performances highlights her adaptability as an artist.

Andrew Cedeño, Bari-Tenor
A versatile vocalist comfortable in both baritone and countertenor repertoire, Andrew Cedeño has performed in musical theater, classical song, and operetta. His credits include roles in Sweeney Todd, Spring Awakening, and The Pirates of Penzance, where he showcased his wide vocal range and commanding stage presence. Fluent in multiple languages, Andrew’s performances bring linguistic authenticity and dramatic flair to every piece he interprets.

Cris Walker, Soprano & Host
A classically trained soprano and advocate for music education and accessibility, Cris Walker has made significant contributions to the Bay Area’s musical landscape. As the co-owner of Music to My Ears and co-founder of Up Street Music Patrons, Cris has fostered young talent while continuing her own artistic pursuits. Her ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and expressive vocalism makes her a natural host and performer in this series.

Program Highlights:

Me voici dans son boudoir – Margaret Starr, Mezzo-Soprano
Habanera from Carmen – Bonnie Brooks, Mezzo-Soprano
Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast? from The Pirates of Penzance – Andrew Cedeño, Bari-Tenor
Silvio's Aria from Pagliacci – Rodrigo Castillo, Baritone
Lob des hohen Verstands – Jacques Williams, Baritone
Nemico della patria from Andrea Chénier – Rodrigo Castillo, Baritone

And more! 

With a diverse mix of vocal styles, dramatic performances, and masterful pianism, this concert is an experience not to be missed! Whether you are an opera aficionado, a lover of classic Broadway, or someone looking for an enriching night of live music, this performance promises to deliver an evening of artistry and passion.

Tickets: $20, available at the box office starting at 6:00 PM
Doors Open: General seating begins at 6:30 PM