Event
Alexander Conducts Beethoven
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Daniil Trifonov, piano
Raven Chacon — Inscription II
Saint-Saëns — Piano Concerto No. 2
Beethoven — Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley leads the Naples Philharmonic in a program that spans contemporary reflection and early Romantic transformation. The evening opens with the world premiere of Inscription II by Raven Chacon, a work rooted in Chacon’s distinct approach to sound, space and texture. Internationally celebrated piano virtuoso Daniil Trifonov then makes his debut with the Naples Philharmonic in Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. A Grammy winner and Deutsche Grammophon artist, Trifonov is acclaimed for his expressive range and technical command. Saint-Saëns’ concerto highlights Trifonov’s artistry, progressing from an improvisatory, Bach-inspired opening to a spirited finale. The program’s second half features Beethoven’s groundbreaking Symphony No. 3, “Eroica,” a revolutionary work that redefined the possibilities of the symphonic form. Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, Beethoven famously withdrew the dedication upon learning of Napoleon’s imperial ambitions, declaring him a tyrant. The result is a symphony of remarkable scale, rhythmic tension and emotional weight — a bold musical vision that continues to inspire.
Performance Note
Due to Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s recent finger injury, Sheku and his siblings Isata (piano) and Braimah (violin) are unable to appear and perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto as originally scheduled. We wish Sheku a full and smooth recovery. While we are disappointed that the Kanneh-Masons cannot join us this season, we are grateful to share that acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov will make his debut with the Naples Philharmonic.
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.
This program 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
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
Daniil Trifonov
Daniil Trifonov
Grammy Award-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov is a solo artist, concerto performer, chamber and vocal collaborator, and composer. Combining consummate technique with rare depth, he won the 2018 Grammy for Best Instrumental Solo Album with Transcendental, his Liszt collection for Deutsche Grammophon.
In 2025-26, Trifonov appears three times at Carnegie Hall: with baritone Matthias Goerne in Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin after a North American tour of the song cycles; with Cristian Măcelaru and the Orchestre National de France in concertos by Saint-Saëns and Ravel; and in a solo recital presented across the U.S. and Europe. Other engagements include duo performances with violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto with The Cleveland Orchestra and Santa Cecilia Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Second with the Cincinnati and Chicago symphonies.
His Deutsche Grammophon recordings span Chopin, Bach, Rachmaninoff and My American Story: North, earning multiple Grammy nominations and international awards. Named Gramophone’s 2016 Artist of the Year and Musical America’s 2019 Artist of the Year, Trifonov studied with Sergei Babayan at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Program Book
Program Book
View this month's program book to get general information about Artis—Naples and to read articles about this month’s activities. View the program insert* for specific information about this event.
Program Book
Program Insert
* Program inserts will be available online approximately ten days prior to the event.
