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 17, 2015

The Dutch conductor’s work with the San Francisco Symphony leads to remarkable results.

Niels Swinkels - March 10, 2015

The composer Thomas Adès did not impress SFCV's reviewer any more than the conductor Adès did.

Niels Swinkels - February 24, 2015

Jordi Savall continues his magical odyssey through the musical world of historical Istanbul.

Niels Swinkels - February 19, 2015

On its U.S. tour, the orchestra delivered unequivocal proof that it is a fantastic ensemble, and that Yannick Nézet-Séguin is a phenomenal conductor.

Niels Swinkels - February 10, 2015

Bach's musical cousins got a highly satisfactory hearing from the historical performance specialists.

Niels Swinkels - February 3, 2015

Paul Goodwin's conducting debut with S.F. Symphony was welcome, if belated, while soprano Lydia Teuscher stole the show.

Niels Swinkels - January 29, 2015

ABS did a terrific job with the most winning of Handel’s theater works, introducing a fine soprano in the process.

Niels Swinkels - January 17, 2015

Warm and fuzzy it wasn't, but Gidon Kremer's traversal of two pieces by Soviet composer Mieczysław Weinberg were worth the price of admission.

Niels Swinkels - December 16, 2014

With Artistic Director Magen Solomon as tour guide, the S.F. Choral Artists took their audiences on an unusual holiday trip around the world.

Niels Swinkels - December 9, 2014

With all due respect to the fine orchestra and lauded guest soloists, it was the voices of the Philharmonia Baroque Chorale that made their “Joyous Christmas” concert an evening to remember.