{"id":78802,"date":"2022-09-08T17:46:29","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T21:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=78802"},"modified":"2022-09-08T17:46:29","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T21:46:29","slug":"scoop-national-arts-centre-orchestra-extends-contract-maestro-alexander-shelley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2022\/09\/08\/scoop-national-arts-centre-orchestra-extends-contract-maestro-alexander-shelley\/","title":{"rendered":"THE SCOOP | The National Arts Centre Orchestra Extends Contract For Maestro Alexander Shelley"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Alexander
Alexander Shelley (Photo courtesy of NAC Orchestra)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The National Arts Centre (NAC) announced a three-year contract extension for Alexander Shelley as Music Director of the NAC Orchestra. The new term extends from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026.<\/p>\n

Shelley took on the role in 2015, and led the orchestra during a transformational time that began well before the COVID pandemic played havoc with the performing arts industry. Under his leadership, the NAC Orchestra has taken on its role as a national orchestra, and become more and more noted for new collaborations and ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI continue to be energized by the individual and collective brilliance of our musicians and inspired by the vision at the heart of Canada\u2019s National Arts Centre,\u201d said Alexander Shelley<\/strong> in a release.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last few tumultuous years, we have engaged in tackling the big issues of our time, pioneered new formats for symphonic music on stage and screen, vigorously championed Canadian creative artists, composers of our time and historically underrepresented voices, toured through Europe and to Carnegie Hall, grown our recording catalogue and inaugurated a flagship mentorship program.\u201d<\/p>\n

What they\u2019re saying…<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cAlexander Shelley provides exceptional artistic leadership to Canada\u2019s NAC Orchestra,\u201d said Christopher Deacon<\/strong>, NAC President and CEO. \u201cSeason after season, the Orchestra has continued to develop in terms of repertoire, collaborators, and level of excellence. I\u2019m delighted that he has renewed his contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince his arrival, Alexander has helped to cement the Orchestra\u2019s reputation as a world-class ensemble. As well, he constantly inspires and pushes us all to rethink and redefine the orchestra\u2019s role in society,\u201d said Nelson McDougall,<\/strong> Managing Director of the NAC Orchestra. \u201cThrough his vision and passion, the NAC Orchestra is increasingly acclaimed for its daring programming and powerful storytelling, as exemplified by the recent tour to Carnegie Hall, entitled Truth in Our Time<\/em>, which featured the premiere of an NAC Orchestra commission from Philip Glass, his Symphony No. 13<\/em>. We are so fortunate to call him our Music Director and I look forward to our continuing partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is always a pleasure to make music on stage with Alexander when he is conducting,\u201d said Yosuke Kawasaki<\/strong>, NAC Orchestra Concertmaster. \u201cI\u2019m equally impressed by his collaborative leadership in his role as Music Director. Since his arrival, he has championed not only this Orchestra, but also Canadian creation and artists. His dedication and commitment to nurture our next generation of artists and audiences is truly inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

About Alexander<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Shelley\u2019s tenure, in particular, has been noted for his innovative programming. It comes after a series of accomplished roles and accomplishments.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • First prize at the 2005 Leeds Conductors’ Competition;<\/li>\n
  • Chief Conductor of the N\u00fcrnberger Symphoniker from 2009 until 2017;<\/li>\n
  • In 2015, he became Principal Associate Conductor of London\u2019s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Along with the NAC Orchestra, Shelley works with Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Gothenburg Symphony, Stockholm Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, S\u00e3o Paulo Symphony and the Melbourne and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras.<\/p>\n