The story of Festival del Sole, as its name suggests, starts in Italy in the 1990’s, where, arts entrepreneur and pianist Barrett Wissman and wife, cellist Nina Kotova, had often discussed organizing an event somewhere in the world where friends could make music together in a warm welcoming atmosphere.

In 2003, the Festival del Sole was born in Cortona in Tuscany, and incorporated a vast array of events including  concerts, fine art exhibitions, culinary events, wine tastings, and literary events.  In 2006,  Barrett Wissman brought the Festival Del Sole to Napa Valley, which has now become Festival Napa Valley.

Over the years, the Festivals have attracted a stunning lineup of some of the world’s greatest musicians, artists, actors, chefs and personalities including Robert Redford, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Sting, Thomas Keller, Antonio Pappano, Sophia Loren, Pinchas Zukerman, and many, many more.

Barrett Wissman has decided to bring back the style, artistic level, tradition and excitement of the Festival del Sole back to the wine country of Northern California in 2024, in partnership with the stunning acoustic and architectural gem, the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University and its Executive Director Jacob Yarrow.

www.festivaldelsolearts.com