Niels Swinkels

Niels Swinkels is a freelance journalist, musicologist, sound engineer, and radio producer. Born and raised in the Netherlands, he studied English and Musicology at the University of Nijmegen. Before moving to San Francisco, he was the Arts Editor, and Senior Classical Music & Opera critic for Brabants Dagblad, a Dutch daily newspaper. In addition to writing for the Classical Voice and others, he is producer for KALW’s Open Air, a weekly radio magazine for the Bay Area performing arts. He is also a wine guy at Trader Joe’s Nob Hill. Read more about Niels at his website.

Articles By This Author

Niels Swinkels - March 26, 2019

From soloists to orchestra to chorus, the musicians come together as a powerful whole.

Niels Swinkels - February 12, 2019

The eight vocalists of Cut Circle team up with the San Francisco Early Music Society for an afternoon of Franco-Flemish music.

Niels Swinkels - January 29, 2019

The early music ensemble colors outside the borders with inspiring collaborators from Azerbaijan and Québec.

Niels Swinkels - August 7, 2018

The venerable orchestra and choir deliver a memorable concert while simultaneously incubating the next generation in early music.

Niels Swinkels - June 7, 2018

Music, lives, and pianos intertwine in a concert of local premieres.

Niels Swinkels - February 27, 2018

Drama there was, but ABS’s revivifying take on Bach’s masterpiece was mainly gorgeous.

Niels Swinkels - February 20, 2018

With the S.F. Symphony, the venerable conductor laureate shows how to do more with less fuss.

Niels Swinkels - February 6, 2018

A concert of music from the dark time of the Thirty Years’ War.

Niels Swinkels - January 23, 2018

Elegant, understated playing in a cozy setting brings out the best in a program of Couperin, Marais, Balbastre, and Telemann.

Niels Swinkels - January 9, 2018

An absorbing medieval music concert refreshes and uplifts while not shorting the entertainment side of things.