FESTIVAL DEL SOLE

Music, Food, Art & Wine —
Could It Get Any Better?

by Ed Schwartz

    A good definition of the word festival is a gathering staged by a local community that centers on a theme, often on a unique aspect of that community. In the case of the Festival del Sole, to be held from July 12-20, that definition suits it perfectly except that this Festival offers many choice themes and several pleasurable aspects.

   The Festival is not just about music, although great music is the focus; it’s also a celebration of food, wine, art, hospitality and Napa high style — which has become synonymous with the very best of life.

Measha Brueggergosman

   The third-year program of this elaborate and elegant Festival, as announced by Festival founders and directors Barrett Wissman and Richard Walker, is rich in content with stars of the concert world who love performing at this venue as much as the audiences love hearing and seeing them.

   Making their debuts at Festival del Sole will be international stars — pianists André Watts and Simone Dinnerstein; Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman; San Francisco Opera favorite, Jill Grove, and mezzo soprano Elina Garanca.

  Returning artists include the celebrated violinists Joshua Bell and Dmitry Sitkovetsky, and two dazzling pianists, Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the 13-year old prodigy Conrad Tao.

Castello di Amorosa

   Jump-starting the Festival in a lively fashion is a free, outdoor July 4 concert with young Mr. Tao and the Napa Valley Symphony in a performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The Festival’s official opening program is on July 12 in a performance at the Lincoln Theater, Yountville, with Ms. Brueggergosman, Mr. Watts and the Festival del Sole orchestra.

On July 15–17, chamber music takes center stage with performances by the UBS Verbier Chamber Orchestra, the Rossetti String Quartet and Joshua Bell, Dmitry Sitkovetsky and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. These performances will take place at Castello di Amoroso, winemaker Daryl Sattui’s picturesque Tuscan-style villa.

   The UBS Verbier Orchestra was founded in 2000 under the wing of famed conductor James Levine as the orchestra in residence in Verbier, Switzerland. The chamber orchestra was assembled in 2005 in order to perform in more intimate venues. It is considered one of the leading “youth orchestras” in the world with graduates now playing in the top orchestras.

   Also on July 19, the young, American conductor, Ward Stare, will lead the orchestra,  with soloists Garrett Sorenson and soprano Jill Grove. There will be a special performance at Darioush Winery in the unique building inspired by the architecture at the ancient city of Persepolis. The evening will showcase Persian cuisine and music, with an ensemble led by Mamak Khadem.

Alan Gilbert and Joshua Bell in 2007

   Visual exhibits include the art books of Henri Matisse and prints by Andy Warhol at the Napa Valley Museum, and a gallery cave tour at Stonescape.

   Gourmet festivities will be offered at Dominus Estate, Far Niente, Calistoga Ranch, Grgich Hills, Moulds Vineyards, Mondavi, and Villa Mille Rose, Maria Manetti Farrow’s estate, with Thomas Keller as chef.

   Looking back on the past two seasons, Richard Walker noted, “We are pleased to be able to say that Festival del Sole has been enormously successful. More than 20,000 people have attended our concerts, art exhibits and culinary events. Northern Californians, along with music, food and wine lovers from around the world, have embraced Festival del Sole and confirmed that the time and the place are right for this world-class event.”

  Benefactors for this year’s Festival are the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation, Athena & Timothy Blackburn, Tatiana & Gerret Copeland, Lon Hale and Dede Wilsey. Patrons are Maria Manetti Farrow, Gary Fuhrman, Jonathan Moulds and Michael Polenske. Festival del Sole’s Official Sponsors include Calistoga Ranch, Chopard and Bouchaine Vineyards. Media sponsors include the Nob Hill Gazette.

   Tickets for concerts at Lincoln Theater, Castello di Amorosa and Robert Mondavi Winery range from $45-$125. For tickets, please call 707-226-8742.

   For information on Festival packages, including gala lunches, dinners and other VIP events and prime seating at performances: 888-FDS-NAPA (337-6272) or fdsnapa.org.

Festival Del Sole At A Glance:
   Saturday, July 12: Orchestral, Lincoln Theater, 6 PM; Andre Watts, Measha Brueggergosman, Del Sole Festival Orchestra.
   Sunday, July 13: Music, TBA, Lincoln Theater
   Monday, July 14: Persian Musicians, Darioush Winery, 7 PM
   Tuesday, July 15: Orchestral, Castello di Amorosa Winery, 6:30 PM; Joshua Bell, Elina Garan, UBS Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra.
   Wednesday, July 16: Chamber Music, Castello di Amorosa Winery, 6:30 PM; Joshua Bell, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Rossetti Quartet.
   Thursday, July 17: Chamber Music, Castello di Amorosa Winery, 6:30 PM; Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Simone Dinnerstein.
   Friday, July 18: Orchestral, Lincoln Theater, 6:30 PM; Jaap van Zweden, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Dmitry Sitkovetsky.
   Saturday, July 19: Orchestral, Lincoln Theater, 2 PM; Ward Stare, Garrett Sorenson, Jill Grove. Tiempo Libre, Mondavi Winery, 7 PM
   Sunday, July 20: Orchestral, Lincoln Theater,3 PM; Jaap van Zweden, Elina Garanca.

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