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Napa Valley Festival del Sole Announces Fifth Anniversary Season

This year's schedule is packed with events for every taste and budget-from classical music to tango and jazz, from exclusive gourmet meals to free family-friendly concerts, from wellness programs and art exhibitions to wine tastings and after-parties, and a first-ever croquet match between artists and vintners.

Among the artists appearing are tenor Francesco Demuro, mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, violinist Joshua Bell, pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Conrad Tao, cellist Nina Kotova, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, visual artist William Wegman, conductors Carlo Ponti and Omer Wellber, singer Nikki Yanofsky, actress Rita Moreno, and - making a much-anticipated return as resident orchestra - the Russian National Orchestra (RNO).

The RNO will be in residence for the next four seasons, through summer 2013. The four-year commitment was made possible by a generous donation from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, proprietors of Bouchaine Vineyards.

Each day promises lavish meals, including dinners at Ashe Family Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, Quintessa, and The Orchard at The Carneros Inn.

The festival's Fifth Anniversary Gala takes place July 18 at Meadowood, featuring dinner, a performance by the RNO Brass, and an Artists vs. Vintners croquet match.

A Night of Tango is the theme at Palmaz Vineyards - in an evening featuring the music and cuisine of Argentina.

Other highlights include an opening night party at the Westin Verasa Napa, hosted by Chef Ken Frank of La Toque; the 125^th anniversary of Far Niente, with performances by Chris Botti and Joshua Bell; the festival's first-ever Dance Gala featuring American Ballet Theater principals Maxim Beloserkovsky and Irina Dvorovenko and stars from the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets; and a Founder's Dinner hosted by Round Pond Estate.

Daily vintner's lunches take place at Pride Mountain, Seven Stones, Ma(i)sonry, Spring Mountain Vineyard, CADE Winery, Tamber Bey, Clos Pegase, and Darioush.

Festival-goers will enjoy another season of the Bouchaine Young Artist Series, providing opportunities for talented young performers. These concerts are free.

The annual festival exhibition features the work of pioneer video artist, photographer and painter William Wegman, at the Napa Valley Museum.

Festival del Sole official sponsors are Bouchaine Vineyards and Calistoga Ranch. Corporate sponsors include Bentley San Francisco, Guide by Cell, Releve Unlimited, Tiffany & Co. and 55 Degrees. Media sponsors are Diablo Publications and KGO AM 810 Radio.

Resort Partners are Calistoga Ranch, Bardessono, The Carneros Inn and The Orchard at The Carneros Inn, Meadowood Resort, Harvest Inn, Vineyard Country Inn and Westin Verasa Napa.

Please visit www.fdsnapa.org

for Napa Valley Festival del Sole
Mona Baroudi, 415-615-2735
mona.baroudi@sbcglobal.net