Event
Piazzolla Four Seasons
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Karen Gomyo, violin
Jonathan Cziner — Rear-view
Piazzolla — Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Brahms — Symphony No. 4
The final Masterworks program of the season is an evocative journey through past, present and future. The evening opens with Rear-view by composer Jonathan Cziner, a reflective work inspired by a nostalgic road trip and the passage of time. Violinist Karen Gomyo then takes center stage for Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, a vibrant and contemporary reimagining of Vivaldi’s classic, infused with the rhythm and passion of tango.
The program concludes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Often regarded as his most profound symphonic statement, this work of intensity and depth combines formal brilliance with emotional gravity. Its final movement, shaped by classical variation and ending with a sense of tragic inevitability, closes the season on a powerful and thought-provoking note.
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.
Performance Note
Guest conductor Ruth Reinhardt, who was scheduled to lead Piazzolla Four Seasons, will not be able to join us for these performances as she prepares to welcome her first child. While we will miss her presence on the podium, in her stead, Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley will return to Hayes Hall on May 8 and 9 to lead the orchestra in its final Masterworks program of the season.
The Artistic and Music Director position is generously endowed by Sharon and Timothy Ubben.
The May 8 performance is generously sponsored by Roger and Kathy Marino.
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
Karen Gomyo
Karen Gomyo
Karen Gomyo, “a first-rate artist of real musical command, vitality, brilliance and intensity” (The Chicago Tribune), possesses a rare ability to captivate and connect intimately with audiences through her deeply emotional and heartfelt performances. With flawless command of the instrument and elegance of expression, she is one of today’s leading violinists.
Following a highly successful 2024-25 season, which included debuts with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as returns to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Gomyo’s 2025-26 season brings more major appearances. She returns to the New York Philharmonic, New World Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan and Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome and makes debuts with the SWR Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
Recent highlights include debuts with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Nacional de España and Czech Philharmonic, and returns to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne.
A devoted chamber musician, Gomyo has collaborated with artists including Leif Ove Andsnes, James Ehnes, Emmanuel Pahud and Tine Thing Helseth. She also champions contemporary and tango repertoire, including collaborations with Pablo Ziegler and the 2021 release A Piazzolla Trilogy (BIS Records).
