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The Napa Valley Opera House has announced that Peter Williams, Artistic Director at Yoshi's since 1999, has accepted the position as Executive/Artistic Director, and will begin his leadership of the NVOH in mid-August.

"Under Peter's leadership, Yoshi's has become an international icon known to present the finest in multiple genres of music," said NVOH Board Chair Bob Almeida. "Peter's passion for the arts and depth of experience are an asset to both the Opera House itself and the community of Napa."

Williams has been a long-time fan of the Napa Valley Opera House and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to "be creative and bring in a strong line-up of shows that will appeal to the diverse population of the Napa Valley area and beyond."

"My list of ideas for shows has been growing exponentially since this process started, and I'll be actively looking for input from the community on what they'd to see in the room," he said. "I am excited to get started on the next phase of growth for the NVOH."

Williams replaces Chris Smith, who has served as interim Executive/Artistic Director since March 2011.

"Chris has done an amazing job at NVOH, immediately stepping in and contributing in multiple ways, including organizing the benefit for Napa's sister City, Iwanuma, conceiving our summer family series and bringing many exciting acts to our stage," said Almeida, noting that the organization hopes to continue its relationship with Chris as a presenter.

Under Williams' leadership, the mission of the organization will remain the same and the NVOH will retain its commitment to providing a venue for the community, accessible to all audiences.

The Napa Valley Opera House, located in the heart of downtown Napa, is a national historic landmark originally constructed in 1879 and remains one of Napa's most important cultural icons. NVOH restored its intimate second-floor, 500-seat Margrit Biever Mondavi Theatre in 2002 after 30 years of planning. Patrons experience an eclectic array of performing arts including theatre, dance, comedy, jazz, blues, world music, and family programming in a world-class setting.

"The Opera House can look to a bright future with Peter Williams at the helm," indicated Smith. "The Board, staff and supporters have worked very hard during this period of transition and I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished. I look forward to working with Peter to help ensure a great start to his tenure at NVOH."

To learn more about the Napa Valley Opera House, please visit the venue's website.