Gordon Getty
Composer
American composer Gordon Getty has made a lifetime of contributions to the world of classical music. In recognition of his extraordinary legacy, he was awarded the prestigious European Culture Prize in 2019 and inducted into Opera America's Opera Hall of Fame in 2022. Learn more about the man and his music. Scroll down for highlights or explore the website.
Upcoming Performances
“Seasons of Hope” concert at Festival Napa Valley
Fest Napa Valley Stage at Charles Krug, 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA
Constantine Orbelian leads Festival Orchestra Napa in a program featuring three choral works by Gordon Getty: the world premiere of Annie Laurie for men’s chorus, an arrangement of Shenandoah with soprano Lisa Delan, and the cantata Joan and the Bells (based on the life and martyrdom of Joan of Arc) with baritone Lester Lynch and soprano Melody Moore.
“GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS” special screening as part of Festival Napa Valley
Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main Street, St. Helena, CA
Gordon Getty’s opera, based on James Hilton’s novella and reimagined for film, stars Nathan Granner, Marnie Breckenridge, Lester Lynch and Kevin Short. It will be screened at the historic Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. Tickets available mid-April.
News
The latest on compositions, performances, and recordings.

Festival Napa Valley 2023 features multiple Getty works
Festival Napa Valley presents three programs of Gordon Getty’s compositions this July, including a screening of “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” the world premiere of “Annie Laurie” for men’s chorus, an arrangement of “Shenandoah” for soprano and chorus, and the cantata “Joan and the Bells.”

Gordon Getty inducted into OPERA America’s Opera Hall of Fame
OPERA America honored the achievements of outstanding American and Canadian artists, administrators and advocates on October 21, 2022.
Featured Recordings
Gordon Getty’s oeuvre spans orchestral works, song cycles, and full length operas.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips Highlights
This EP features some of the opera’s greatest arias and scenes from the film soundtrack, including its profoundly moving finale.
Featured Reviews
A complete archive of reviews of works by Gordon Getty, including performances and recordings.
Joanne Sydney Lessner: Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Composer/librettist Getty hews closely to the book, adding color and depth particularly where Kathie is concerned. The score is traditional and tonal, with recitatives and arias, soaring choral anthems, and a predilection for heroic high notes.
Read the full review on Opera NewsClaire Jackson: Gordon Getty: Goodbye, Mr. Chips (EP)
Soprano Marnie Breckenridge sweetly foreshadows the tragedy in ‘Chips darling it’s started’, a lyrical aria with colourful orchestration including harp and piano. This style is echoed in a later interlude, with melodic writing for strings, piano and tuned percussion.
Read the full review on BBC Music Magazine