The National Symphony Orchestra Ireland has named Alexander Shelley as its new principal conductor from September 2026 on an initial three-year contract. Following the departure of Jaime Martín as the orchestra's chief conductor in May 2024, Shelley assumes the role of principal conductor designate with immediate effect.
Alexander Shelley comments:
'I am 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. I’m inspired by the extraordinary artistry of the orchestra’s musicians, with whom I already share many happy memories, and by the bold vision of its leadership and stewards.
'On a personal note, 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.'
Who is Alexander Shelley?
Son of British pianist-conductor Howard Shelley, Alexander Shelley is currently principal associate conductor with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and artistic and music director of the Florida-based Artis–Naples. He assumes the role of artistic and music director of the Pacific Symphony in California on a five-year term from 2026-2027.
Since 2015, Shelley has been music director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, a role he concludes at the end of this season, replaced by Finnish conductor John Storgårds.
