New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) - Napa Valley's world-class Festival del Sole returns for its fifth anniversary season, July 16-25, 2010. This year's ten-day schedule is packed with events for every taste and budget-from classical music to tango and jazz, from exclusive gourmet meals to free family-friendly concerts, from wellness programs and art exhibitions to wine tastings and after-parties, and a first-ever croquet match between artists and vintners.
Among the artists appearing this season are tenor Francesco Demuro, mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, violinist Joshua Bell, pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Conrad Tao, cellist Nina Kotova, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, visual artist William Wegman, dancers Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko, conductors Carlo Ponti and Omer Wellber, jazz/pop singer Nikki Yanofsky and - making a much-anticipated return as resident orchestra - the Russian National Orchestra (RNO).
The RNO will be in residence for the next four seasons of the festival, through summer 2013. The four-year commitment was made possible in part by a generous donation from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, proprietors of Bouchaine Vineyards. "What an honor to have the RNO, recognized as among the world's top orchestras, once again in residence," says Tatiana Copeland. "My husband and I are so pleased to be part of making this possible."
Festival director Richard Walker says, "Five years ago we set out to create a festival combining the best in music, art, food and wine. And we have done just that. Today Napa Valley Festival del Sole has become one of the country's leading summer music festivals."
Napa Valley Festival del Sole was co-founded and is produced by IMG Artists, a leading international arts management firm. Says its Chairman Charles Hamlen, "IMG Artists played a key role in launching this festival, and is proud of our continuing role in making the Napa Valley an international destination for audiences and artists."
This year Robert Cole, former director of Cal Performances at UC Berkeley, joins the team as Festival Advisor. "I look forward to working with everyone involved to further the festival's reputation for the finest in music and dance," says Cole.
The fifth anniversary season kicks off with a July 16 concert at Napa Valley Opera House, with award-winning pianist Conrad Tao and the RNO Four Strings in Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12, K. 414, and soloists Maxim Rubtsov and Vladislav Lavrik in Bolling's Suite for Flute & Jazz Piano and Toot Suite for Trumpet & Jazz Piano. Chef Ken Frank hosts an after-party at The Westin Verasa Napa, home to his La Toque restaurant.
On July 17 the festival presents A Taste of Napa at Calistoga Ranch, showcasing some of the region's finest wines and cuisine. Also on hand is nutrition specialist Melina Jampolis to lead the first in a series of wellness programs. That evening, Far Niente opens its historic gates for the winery's 125th anniversary celebration, with performances by jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and violinist Joshua Bell, the cuisine of top chefs and dancing in the Carriage H ouse.
The concert July 18 at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley features the US debut of Omer Wellber, recently named to follow Lorin Maazel as principal conductor of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain. Wellber leads the RNO, Joshua Bell and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet in a program that includes Mendelssohn's Double Concerto.
The next night, July 19, is A Night of Tango at Palmaz Vineyards, featuring the music and cuisine of Argentina. The program includes the music of Astor Piazzolla performed by the RNO Four Strings.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Nina Kotova join the Rossetti String Quartet for chamber music at Castello di Amorosa on July 20. Renowned for its sophisticated, sensual sound, the Rossetti String Quartet is a frequent collaborator of the virtuoso French pianist.
Jazz-pop prodigy Nikki Yanofsky performs at Castello di Amorosa on July 21. The 16-year old sensation who recently sang Canada's national anthem at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is also poised to release her first studio album.
On July 22, tenor Francesco Demuro and cellist Nina Kotova headline a concert with the RNO under the baton of Omer Wellber at Castello di Amorosa. Also appearing is actress, singer and dancer Rita Moreno. A recipient of the National Medal for the Arts, and a triple-crown Oscar, Grammy and Tony award winner, Moreno opens the program with a special reading.
The festival's first-ever Dance Gala takes place July 23 at Lincoln Theater. American Ballet Theater principals Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko perform together with stars from the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets.
Festival del Sole presents Chris Botti, one of today's best-selling contemporary jazz artists, at Robert Mondavi Winery on July 24.
On July 25, it is the RNO in concert at Lincoln Theater with conductor Carlo Ponti, Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, and the Volti chorus.
Each day of the festival promises lavish meals, including dinners at Ashe Family Vineyards, Palmaz Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, Quintessa, and The Orchard at The Carneros Inn.
The festival's Fifth Anniversary Gala takes place July 18 at Meadowood, featuring dinner, a performance by the RNO Brass, and an Artists vs. Vintners croquet match.
Daily vintner's lunches take place at Pride Mountain, Seven Stones, Ma(i)sonry, Spring Mountain Vineyard, CADE Winery, Tamber Bey and Darioush. At Clos Pegase, proprietor Jan Shrem reprises his lively presentation on the history of wine in art, Bacchus the Rascal and, with his wife Mitsuko, hosts a brunch following.
Festival-goers will enjoy another season of the Bouchaine Young Artist Series, which provides performance opportunities for emerging musicians and talented young performers. These concerts are free to the public and are held at venues throughout Napa Valley.
The annual festival exhibition features William Wegman. The works of the internationally renowned pioneer video artist, photographer and painter will be on display at the Napa Valley Museum.
The night before the official opening, major benefactors and sponsors gather for the annual Founders Dinner, hosted by Round Pond Estate.
Festival del Sole official sponsors are Bouchaine Vineyards and Calistoga Ranch. Corporate sponsors include Bentley San Francisco, Guide by Cell, Releve' Unlimited, Tiffany & Co. and 55 Degrees. Diablo Publications and KGO AM 810 Radio participate as media sponsors.
Resort Partners are Calistoga Ranch, Bardessono, The Carneros Inn and The Orchard at The Carneros Inn, Meadowood Resort, Harvest Inn, Vineyard Country Inn and Westin Verasa Napa. Media Partners helping to promote the festival include KDFC-FM, American Public Media, 89.3 KPCC, Capital Public Radio, KVON and The Vine, and WineCountry.com.
Festival del Sole operates under the umbrella of Festival Association Napa Valley, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
FESTIVAL TICKETS:
Concert tickets go on sale April 1 for purchase on line at www.fdsnapa.org or by calling
888-FDS-NAPA [888-337-6272]. Tickets will also be available in person at the Napa Valley Opera House and Lincoln Theater box offices, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Castello di Amorosa gift shops, and other locations. Prices start at $35. The Bouchaine Young Artist Series is free.
FESTIVAL PACKAGES:
VIP Packages - from the full Passport to daily and evening only passes - includes exclusive access to vintner's lunches, gala dinners and other special events, and prime seating at performances. Pricing includes a tax-deductible contribution in support of the festival, and purchasers are listed in the Official Program. For information and purchases, contact [email protected]
