Event
Montero Plays Rachmaninoff
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Gabriela Montero, piano
Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus
Barbara Sletto, director
Copland — Fanfare for the Common Man
Jessie Montgomery — Starburst for Symphony Orchestra
Bernstein — Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
Tan Dun — Jubilation from Heaven Earth Mankind (Symphony 1997)
Rachmaninoff — Piano Concerto No. 2
Pianist and improvisational powerhouse Gabriela Montero returns to open the 2025-26 Masterworks series, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley. One of Rachmaninoff’s most iconic and emotionally sweeping works, the concerto sets the tone for a season of lively expression. Its interplay between soloist and orchestra beautifully reflects the spirit of collaboration and togetherness that defines the season ahead. The program also features Copland’s bold Fanfare for the Common Man, which reflects the passion and optimism of mid-20th century America. Additional selections include Tan Dun’s rhythmic Jubilation from Heaven Earth Mankind, Jessie Montgomery’s multidimensional Starburst for Symphony Orchestra and Bernstein’s Symphony Dances from West Side Story — one of three Bernstein works featured this season — highlighting the season’s celebration of connection through diverse artistic voices.
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.
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
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
Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus
Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus
The Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus (NPYC) provides young singers performance opportunities on Hayes Hall stage alongside the Naples Philharmonic and at distinct community events. The nearly 100-voice NPYC is directed by Barbara Sletto and includes singers in elementary, middle and high school. NPYC rehearses in groups divided by age and ability on Monday evenings on the Artis—Naples Cultural Campus.
Auditions for new members are held in early August and January. Students from the age of 7 through high school are encouraged to audition.
Learn more about the Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus.
Barbara Sletto
Barbara Sletto
Barbara Sletto is the director of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus. In addition to preparing their own choral concerts, the chorus performs with the Naples Philharmonic and guest artists from all over the world. Barbara is the founder and former artistic director for the Heartland Youth Choir and has been the artistic director of several choirs throughout the Midwest. She continues to serve HYC in their summer programming and as a consultant. She also served as an adjunct professor at Drake University. Under her direction, choirs have performed for numerous national and state conferences. Barbara has guest conducted for numerous festival and all-state choirs throughout the United States, and she has served as the guest conductor for various summer choir camps. She completed her Master of Arts in music education with a Kodály emphasis at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Barbara has 14 published and commissioned works for treble choirs, including commissions for Iowa and Indiana all-state choirs.
Meet Barbara
