Bouchaine Young Artists – You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby

There are many things we take pride in when it comes to Festival del Sole. Showcasing the finest the Napa Valley has to offer is certainly one of them. As is bringing world-renowned talent to the festival year after year. However, one program that we’re extremely proud of is the Bouchaine Young Artist series, where we introduce Napa audiences to the stars of tomorrow.

It seems like yesterday when we were presenting one young artist a day at COPIA, but then, thanks to a generous commitment from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland of Bouchaine Vineyards, these admission-free concerts have blossomed into one of the festival's top platforms for introducing important young talent. 

Two examples are Stephen Waarts and Alexi Kenney. Waarts was just 12 when he performed at Festival del Sole in 2007. Now a student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, he continues to win major competitions, most recently First Prize at the 2014 Menuhin Competition – Senior Section.

Kenney, who performed during Festival del Sole’s first years, continues to wow audiences. Most recently, he was winner of the 2013 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, earning him his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall during its 2014-15 season.

This year, it is our honor to present Xavier Foley, First Prize winner of the 17th Annual Sphinx Competition Senior Division, as well as the International Society of Bassist Competition's junior division (2009) and senior division (2011), and soprano Julia Bullock, winner of the 2014 Naumburg International Vocal Competition, and an artist acclaimed for singing “in a luminous full voice, round and shining and shifting and elusive as a ball of mercury.” (Washington Post)

Artists selected to participate in the Bouchaine Young Artist series have the opportunity to hone their performance skills in a professional, challenging and inspiring environment, and each receives a generous monetary scholarship from the festival, underwritten by Tatiana and Gerret Copeland. These young musicians serve as role models and contribute to the continued renewal and relevance of the performing arts.

While these are admission-free events, reservations are required. Please visit our schedule page to see this year's performances. A full list of all past Bouchaine Young Artists is posted on our Past Festival Artists page.