The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to announce the appointment of Alexander Shelley, ‘a conductor of superlative gifts’, as its new Principal Associate Conductor. Already appointed as Music Director-designate of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and Chief Conductor of the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, he will join the select list of esteemed artists who currently conduct the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
British born in 1979 and the son of professional musicians, Alexander Shelley first gained widespread acclaim when he was unanimously awarded first prize at the 2005 Leeds Conductors Competition. Since then, his career has flourished with demands from orchestras around the world, including Stockholm Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, DSO Berlin, Simon Bolivar, Mozarteum Orchester Salzburg, Melbourne, Seattle and Houston Symphony Orchestras, to name but a few.
Full of enthusiasm, versatility and panache, Alexander Shelley will commence his role from January 2015, as he conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a series of concerts around the UK, visiting some of the Orchestra’s key resident venues in programmes to include music by Shostakovich, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Vaughan Williams; alongside pianist Alessio Bax.
Future programmes will include a series of concerts titled The Roaring 20s – a diverse programme selected and conducted by Alexander Shelley, devoted to one of the most creative times in music-making, including works by Ibert, Cole Porter, Prokofiev, Milhaud and Ravel.
Alexander Shelley says…
‘Since our very first meeting I have been inspired by the musicianship, dedication and passion of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and impressed by their strong commitment to their faithful audiences both at home and abroad. I am very proud and privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to this fine orchestra's tradition of excellence and I look forward to many exciting collaborations over the coming years.’
Ian Maclay (Managing Director, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) says…
‘This is an exciting time for the Orchestra. Alexander Shelley is an exhilarating prospect and the musicians of the Orchestra are looking forward to developing their relationship with him. His enthusiasm and charisma onstage is certainly something to watch out for and we anticipate this being a very exciting musical partnership.’
Notes to Editor
Alexander Shelley is available for comment.
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