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 29, 2016

The Russian piano phenomenon delivered a thrilling performance in collaboration with Kent Nagano and the OSM.

Niels Swinkels - March 23, 2016

Fresh compositions by Simon Dobson highlight the latest installment of this inventive series.

Niels Swinkels - February 23, 2016

The French conductor brought a Glimmer of new music to the San Francisco Symphony’s series of subscription concerts.

Niels Swinkels - February 16, 2016

With friends Barry Shiffman and Zuill Bailey, Cypress Quartet gave fluid performances of Brahms’ sextets.

Niels Swinkels - February 3, 2016

The greats and not-so-greats of 17th-century Vienna get a hearing thanks to the Quicksilver ensemble.

Niels Swinkels - January 27, 2016

American Bach Soloists revisited two of the three Bach Cantatas from their inaugural concert for the opening of their 27th season.

Niels Swinkels - January 19, 2016

Conductor Krzysztof Urbanski made an astonishing debut with the San Francisco Symphony, joined by pianist Emanuel Ax.

Niels Swinkels - December 22, 2015

The early music ensemble performed festive pieces from the Italian baroque at St. Mark’s Lutheran in San Francisco.

Niels Swinkels - December 15, 2015

Bach’s sumptuous and inspired Christmas Oratorio was well-served by Jeffrey Thomas’ ace musicians.

Niels Swinkels - November 24, 2015

The symphony is recording Schumann’s four symphonies, but orchestra and soloist made a stronger case for Richard Strauss.