Event
Alexander Conducts The Firebird
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Anthony McGill, clarinet
Lera Auerbach — Icarus
Gabriel Kahane — If Love will not swing wide the gates
Stravinsky — The Firebird
Celebrated worldwide for his artistry and breadth as a soloist, orchestral player and chamber musician, clarinetist Anthony McGill — principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic and a 2020 Avery Fisher Prize winner — joins the Naples Philharmonic under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a performance of Gabriel Kahane’s If Love will not swing wide the gates, a meditation on love, empathy and human connection. Framing the program are Lera Auerbach’s exciting exploration of the mythical Icarus in his final moments and Stravinsky’s boldly colorful and rhythmic ballet score for The Firebird.
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.
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. He begins his tenure in this role in the 2024-25 season following a successful designate year in 2023-24 and will continue in the role through the end of the decade. 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, the 2026-27 season marks his first year as principal conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and music director of the Pacific Symphony. He continues to serve as principle associate conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — a position he has held since 2015.
Meet Alexander
Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill
Clarinetist Anthony McGill, praised for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” (The New York Times), is one of classical music’s most recognizable and multifaceted figures. He serves as principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic — the first African-American principal in the orchestra’s history — and enjoys a dynamic solo and chamber music career.
McGill is the 2024 Musical America Instrumentalist of the Year and recipient of the 2020 Avery Fisher Prize. He appears regularly as a soloist with leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
He has released acclaimed recordings with the Pacifica Quartet (American Stories, Mozart & Brahms Quintets) and pianist Gloria Chien (Here With You), and he performed at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.
McGill is a faculty member at The Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he directs the Music Advancement Program (MAP), focused on young musicians from underrepresented communities. He helped launch the MAP Summer Scholarship Fund and supported its $50 million Crankstartendowment. McGill is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, a board member of Cedille Records and the Harmony Program and an advisor to several youth initiatives.
