California's Pacific Symphony Announces New Music Director

Alexander Shelley will step into the role beginning in the 2026-27 season

The Pacific Symphony, in Costa Mesa, California, announced the appointment of Alexander Shelley as the orchestra’s third Music Director for an initial five-year term. Before that, Shelley will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2025–26 season.

Shelley succeeds Carl St.Clair, who will become Music Director Laureate in 2025-26.

Since 2015, Shelley has served as both Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) in Ottawa, Canada, and Principal Associate Conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Originally a cellist, Alexander Shelley began his conducting career at 29, when he was appointed the youngest-ever Chief Conductor of the Nürnberger Symphoniker, a position he held for eight seasons from 2009–2017.

In 2023, he was also named Artistic and Music Director at Artis—Naples in Florida, leading the Naples Philharmonic.

An advocate for new music, Shelley has led 40 major world premieres and numerous unique projects — such as Life Reflected, a multimedia work celebrating Canadian female pioneers, and Encount3rs, which commissioned new ballets from top composers and choreographers.

“I am filled with excitement about leading Pacific Symphony—a versatile, vibrant organization that has enmeshed itself so deeply in the culture, community and imagination of Southern California through the commitment of Carl St.Clair, the musicians and the administration,” said Shelley. “Since my first visits to Orange County as a boy, its natural beauty and human dynamism have resonated with me deeply. Serving this community, inspiring its youth and enriching its cultural life will be an honor and a joy. The artistic excellence, flexibility and passion of this great orchestra have struck me since our first meeting. I look forward to building on these deep foundations, growing the reach and renown of the orchestra, and reaffirming the power and importance of music in our world through innovative programming and committed performances.”

“Alexander Shelley brings a remarkable combination of artistry, creativity and leadership,” said Concertmaster Dennis Kim, a member of the search committee, on behalf of the orchestra. “On the podium, he is inspiring, his ideas are clear, and his preparation is impeccable. He has a vast repertoire and all of us are excited to explore new works with him. Off the podium, he is a true gentleman and a musician’s musician. He is someone who fully understands the huge responsibility that comes with thisposition, at this time, for this orchestra. Those of us on the search committee were captivated by his innovative programming, his vision for the orchestra, his ideas to reach new audiences, and his plans to keep our supportive audience members excited for the future. My fellow musicians and I are eagerly looking forward to working with him and to starting a new chapter with this incredible orchestra.”