Alexander Shelley named Music Director of Pacific Symphony | EarRelevant

EarRelevant Staff | 26 NOV 2024

COSTA MESA, California– The Pacific Symphony announced earlier this month that it has appointed Alexander Shelley as its next music director. Shelley, currently music director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) and artistic director of Artis-Naples in Florida, will take over in the 2026-27 season for an initial five-year term. He will serve as music director designate in 2025-26, overlapping with outgoing music director Carl St.Clair, who will become music director laureate after leading the ensemble for over three decades.

Shelley’s international career includes leadership roles with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and Germany’s Nürnberger Symphoniker. Known for his innovative programming, he has premiered over 40 works and led multimedia projects like Life Reflected and UnDisrupted. His appointment signals a new chapter for Pacific Symphony, building on St.Clair’s legacy of community engagement and artistic excellence.

“I am filled with excitement about leading Pacific Symphony, a versatile and vibrant organization deeply connected to the Southern California community,” Shelley said in a statement.

The announcement concludes an extensive international search involving input from musicians, staff, and board members. Concertmaster Dennis Kim praised Shelley’s artistry and leadership, emphasizing his “vision for the orchestra” and commitment to engaging diverse audiences.

St.Clair also welcomed Shelley’s appointment, calling it “an exciting day for Pacific Symphony.”

Shelley will conduct eight subscription weeks and oversee special projects during his first season as music director, focusing on educational and community initiatives.

Founded in 1978, the Pacific Symphony is the largest orchestra established in the U.S. in the last 50 years. It is the resident orchestra at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. ■

For more information, visit PacificSymphony.org.

EXTERNAL LINKS:

Pacific Symphony: pacificsymphony.org

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