Event
Strauss and Storytelling
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Gabriela Montero, piano
Strauss — Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Prokofiev — Piano Concerto No. 3
Mozart — Symphony No. 31, “Paris”
Strauss — Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
Pianist and improvisational virtuosa Gabriela Montero joins the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a performance of Prokofiev’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 3.
Sparkling, satirical and extroverted, Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto was written in the summer of 1921 as a vehicle to power Prokofiev’s concert performances as a soloist. This piece, a quintessential example of Prokofiev’s compositional writing, is lyrical, at times whimsical, motoric and unconventional compared to preceding 19th-century Romantic concertos that preceded it. Matching Prokofiev’s sardonically witty masterpiece with Montero’s extraordinary technical skills and musical artistry ensures nothing short of a mesmerizing performance.
The program also includes two dramatic compositions by Richard Strauss — Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks and Suite from Der Rosenkavalier — and Mozart’s lively and animated “Paris” Symphony, creating an evening of vibrant and entertaining music.
Prelude at 6:30pm
Join the conductor before the performance for an insightful 30-minute prelude discussion about the program.
Music and Museum
All Masterworks tickets include same-day admission to The Baker Museum. Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
The Artistic and Music Director position is generously endowed by Sharon and Timothy Ubben.
The April 3 performance is generously sponsored by Roger and Kathy Marino.
The April 4 performance is generously sponsored by Judy and Verne Istock.
Tickets start at $29.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Alvin Ho
Assistant Conductor Meet Alvin
Alexander Shelley
Alexander Shelley
Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director
Alexander Shelley was named Sharon and Timothy Ubben artistic and music director in April 2023. Alexander begins his tenure in this role in the 2024-25 season following a successful designate year through the 2023-24 season. As artistic and music director of Artis—Naples, Alexander provides artistic leadership for the entire multidisciplinary organization, including The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic.
This appointment marks Alexander’s first titled position in the U.S. In addition to his role with Artis—Naples, Alexander remains music director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and principal associate conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — positions he has held since 2015.
Meet Alexander
Gabriela Montero
Gabriela Montero
Gabriela Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique compositional gifts have garnered her critical acclaim and a devoted following on the world stage for her crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power, soulful lyricism and unsentimental expressivity.
Recent highlights include performances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony, a tour with the City of Birmingham Symphony and regular appearances at the National Arts Centre of Canada, where she served as creative partner.
Celebrated for her exceptional musicality and ability to improvise, Montero has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras. She is a frequent recitalist and chamber musician, having performed at such venues as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Vienna Konzerthaus and many others.
Montero’s recording of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and her first orchestral composition, Ex Patria, won a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album. She also received a Grammy nomination for her album Baroque.
Montero has earned many awards and recognitions, including the 2012 Rockefeller Award for her contribution to the arts, and was a featured performer at Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential inauguration.
