Presented by Festival Napa Valley with Mill Valley Film Festival/California Film Institute
Music and libretto by Gordon Getty
Film directed by Brian Staufenbiel
Conducted by Nicole Paiement

Based on James Hilton’s popular 1934 novella and other stories, composer Gordon Getty’s fourth opera, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, tells the heart-warming story of a teacher at Brookfield, an all-boys English boarding school to which “Chips” has dedicated most of his adult life. The opera chronicles Chips’ story of love, loss, and learning over his decades-long tenure at Brookfield. The opera is reimagined here for film by director Brian Staufenbiel and represents the opera’s world premiere.

Featuring an acclaimed cast of opera singers, Goodbye, Mr. Chips delights audiences with outstanding vocal and dramatic performances from: tenor Nathan Granner in the titular role of Mr. Chips; soprano Marnie Breckenridge singing Kathie and Linford; baritone Lester Lynch as Merrivale; and bass-baritone Kevin Short as Ralston and Rivers. The orchestra of stellar Bay Area players is conducted by Nicole Paiement. Members of The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, conducted by Francisco J. Núñez, represent the boarding school’s students.

TRT: 155 min.