Event
Beethoven 7 and 8
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Alexander Shelley, artistic and music director
Beethoven — Symphony No. 7
Beethoven — Symphony No. 8
Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley leads the Naples Philharmonic in a program that unleashes Beethoven at his most kinetically charged and sharply focused. The program opens with the Seventh Symphony, a work driven by such relentless rhythmic momentum that Richard Wagner famously called it the “apotheosis of dance.” From its opening pages to its propulsive finale, the 1812 symphony embraces optimistic folk-like rhythms until its exhilarating finale. The program concludes with the lighter Eighth Symphony, Beethoven’s shortest and most compact symphonic statement. Bright, witty and tightly constructed, it offers a concentrated counterweight to the expansive drive of the Seventh — a work Beethoven himself mischievously claimed to prefer.
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
