The Napa Valley Opera House hit a resounding chord with its 2007 “Idol NV” competition, as local audiences discovered a wealth of talent among young Napa singers.

The six-night competition early this year showcased more than three-dozen teens singing everything from show tunes to power ballads, and the final round was so packed the Opera House had to run a closed-circuit TV link to its downstairs Café Theatre to accommodate the overflow crowd.

The ultimate winner, 15-year-old Devon Hadsell of Napa, won a brand-new notebook computer — and a booking to open for an Opera House headliner: Hadsell performed a mini-set before singer Steve Tyrell’s show last month, wowing the audience with her appearance.

“You could have heard a pin drop in that room,” says Opera House artistic director Evy Warshawski. “At intermission, everyone was buzzing.”

Now, the Opera House is preparing to bring its “American Idol”-inspired contest back for another season — with a twist:

This time, judges will be listening for the finest instrumental performances from Napa Valley musicians aged 13 to 18.

The contest is open to acts with one to five members.

Singers won’t be excluded, as long as they are part of a quintet; but their vocal prowess will not be considered in the judging.

“They’re not going to be judged on the singing,” Warshawski says of the performers. “They’re going to be judged on the artistry of the entire ensemble.”

Aspiring “Idol” musicians must live in Napa County and be available for at least one of the five competition rounds; the final round is March 29.

A panel of judges — different with every round — will comment briefly on each performance before voting at the end of the evening. Audience members will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorites.

Grand prizes for the winner of the final round will again include the opportunity to open for a national headliner at the Opera House.

Warshawski is also vying for more laptops — donated last year by Hewlett-Packard — and lobbying the local business community and service clubs for other teen-friendly prizes ranging from gift cards to scholarship grants, to reward the young musicians.

In addition to community support, “Idol Instrumental” needs judges, including musicians who are willing to play a song or two during the evening.

Warshawski invites anyone interested in helping out to contact her at evy@nvoh.org.

“It’s really rewarding when you do community events that resonate,” she says. “Think about the possibilities!”

Though the musical competition hasn’t started yet, Cyndle Henri of Napa is already a winner: The 17-year-old Napa Valley Alternative School senior came out on top of the school-wide contest to create poster art for “Idol Instrumental 2008.”

Henri’s color drawing represents two instruments she enjoys playing — guitar and piano — and a third she’d like to learn, the trombone.

Young players of those instruments — and any others, from the kazoo to the kettle drum — who live in Napa County are welcome to apply now for “Idol Instrumental 2008.”

Contest rules and the simple application form are available at the Napa Valley Opera House box office, 1030 Main St., Napa (226-7372), or at www.nvoh.org. There is a $15 application fee to help with the cost of putting on the specially priced concerts.

“Idol Instrumental”

Performance competition for Napa County musicians ages 13-18

Application fee: $15

Napa Valley Opera House

1030 Main St., Napa

226-7372

www.nvoh.org

Competition Rounds: Tickets $15; $12 students with ID

Saturday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. (rehearsal Jan. 24)

Saturday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m.  

Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. (rehearsal Feb. 22)

Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.

Final Round: Tickets $25; $15 students with ID

Saturday, March 29, 8pm