A kind of musical heaven is about to descend upon the Napa Valley in the form of 16 starry singers of opera fame, and a host of angelic musicians called the Napa Valley Youth Symphony. The occasion will be the first-ever fundraising benefit for the young ensemble, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Theater in Yountville.

With the new season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival set to open Feb. 15, incoming Artistic Director Bill Rauch has created what he feels to be his “ideal” first season.

Photographers, sculptors and even a surgeon will speak in Napa during the Oxbow School Spring 2008 Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

Years ago, a few young college students began a vocal performance group in Providence, Rhode Island. That group, Rockapella, which soon moved to performing on New York City street corners with a tip hat at their feet, built from a collegiate hobby into an internationally known vocal powerhouse. They’ll be in the Napa Valley Thursday night to present their own valentine at the Lincoln Theater.

The internationally acclaimed Eroica Trio will bring a lively program of American classics to the Napa Valley Opera House on Feb. 16.

Attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland is made easy for Napa theatrgoers who join the annual tour June 24-27, led by Susan Powers Kennelly.