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

Review

Yo-Yo Ma: Musical Superstar Gazing

Niels Swinkels - January 27, 2013

A sense of adventure and musical integrity marked the opening of a tour by Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott.

Review

Laurie Rubin: The Vision to Entertain

Niels Swinkels - January 16, 2013

Mezzo Laurie Rubin is a natural performer with a heart-warming life story and a series of admirable accomplishments, including a book.

Review

Intensely, Beautifully, Devotedly: Bach's B Minor Mass

Niels Swinkels - December 17, 2012

Bach’s summation of his art as a composer, his Mass in B Minor, made for a healing concert the day after a horrific event.

Artist Spotlight

Masaaki Suzuki: The Powers of Bach

Niels Swinkels - December 7, 2012

An internationally respected Bach specialist, on his way to Berkeley, speaks of his affinity for his music, which is hugely popular in his native Japan.

Review

Cal Bach Society: Low Countries' High Appeal

Niels Swinkels - December 3, 2012

California Bach Society takes listeners on an enjoyable cruise through Dutch Christmas traditions.

Review

Marin Symphony Scores With Tour of Italy

Niels Swinkels - October 30, 2012

Music inspired by Italy launches Marin Symphony’s 60th season, with tasteful and crowd-pleasing effect. A highlight is Jeremy Cohen’s new work for quartet and orchestra.

Review

Santa Rosa Symphony: Now That's a Housewarming

Niels Swinkels - October 9, 2012

Starting to settle into its beautiful new hall, with its superb acoustics, the Santa Rosa Symphony launches its current season with high hopes and fine playing.