Alexander Shelley to Become Principal Conductor of National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
By David Salazar(Credit: Curtis Perry)
The National Symphony Orchestra Ireland has named Alexander Shelley as its Principal Conductor.
Shelley’s initial tenure will last three seasons, commencing in September 2026. In his first season, Shelley, who is currently Principal Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic and Music Director of Artis-Naples, will lead seven projects.
In the meantime, he will assume the role of Principal Conductor Designate. Shelley takes over for Jaime Martín.
In accepting the position, Shelley stated that he was “deeply honoured to be joining National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and to become part of an organisation so devoted to making music a central force in Ireland’s cultural life.” He also added, on a personal note, that “this appointment holds special significance for me: my mother, whose parents were from Limerick and Mayo, was born in Dún Laoghaire and went to school in Monkstown, just a few miles from the National Concert Hall. My brother and his family reside in Dublin. I look forward to this next chapter with great anticipation.”
Shelley is also set to take on the role of Artistic and Music Director of the Pacific Symphony starting in 2026-27. He has also served as Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Canada; he is set to conclude that role at the end of this season.
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