Far Niente and Festival del Sole Entertain Superstars of Classical Music
Far Niente sponsored the second annual Festival del Sole, a 10-day celebration of music, food and wine featuring performances by the top international classical musicians set in the Napa Valley in July. Presented by IMG Artists, the global leader in the arts management business, the festival featured performances by renowned artists including flutists Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Piotr Anderszewski, the Russian National Orchestra, mezzo soprano Frederica Von Stade, and 13 year-old piano prodigy Conrad Tao, among many other artists.
Robert Redford, Gianluca Macheda, Nina Kotova, Barrett Wissman, and Joshua Bell enjoy the party at Far Niente. - Photo by Thomas Gibbons
The highlight of the week was the Wednesday, July 18 performance by the Russian National Orchestra with superstar soloists Joshua Bell on violin and cellist Nina Kotova. The evening also served as the North American debut for conductor Nicola Luisotti, who is the incoming music director for the San Francisco Opera. Following the performance at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, Far Niente hosted the most anticipated party of the festival, where Joshua Bell, accompanied by Jean-Yves Thibaudet, gave an unprecedented private command performance to the 160 guests in attendance, which included actor Robert Redford and his wife, Sibylle Szaggars.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Joshua Bell prepare to present a command performance.
- Photo by Thomas Gibbons
The guests were nearly as wowed by the menu presented by Far Niente Executive Chef Abi Martinez. After enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres in the candlelit caves, a three-course menu including braised artichoke terrine, pan seared filet mignon and poached apricot tart was served on the Chardonnay Terrace hilltop above the winery. The starring wines included 2003 Far Niente Cave Collection Chardonnay, 2004 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2002 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville and 1998 Dolce.
Larry and Karen Maguire join conductor Nicola Luisotti and Festival Co-Founder Barrett Wissman at the Far Niente party. - Photo by Thomas Gibbons
The night of extraordinary music, wine, food and conviviality lasted into the wee hours of the morning, just in time to enjoy another day of world-class music and wine in the Napa Valley.
The Festival del Sole and its fantastic performances are open to the public. Next year’s event will be held July 12 – 20, 2008. Visit the Festival Web site for more details: www.festivaldelsole.com.
Nicola Luisotti, Gianluca Macheda and composer Marco Tutino, whose music was performed at the concert at Lincoln Theater earlier in the evening.
- Photo by Thomas Gibbons
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