Alexander Shelley

Shelley succeeded Pinchas Zukerman as Music Director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra in Sep 2015. The ensemble has since been praised as “an orchestra transformed … hungry, bold, and unleashed” (Ott. Citizen) and Alexander’s programming credited for turning the orchestra “almost overnight … into one of the more audacious orchestras in North America.” (Maclean’s). 
 Born in London in Oct 1979 to the son of celebrated concert pianists, he studied cello and conducting in Germany and first gained widespread attention when he was unanimously awarded first prize at the 2005 Leeds Conductors' Competition, with the press describing him as "the most exciting and gifted young conductor to have taken this highly prestigious award. His conducting technique is immaculate, everything crystal clear and a tool to his inborn musicality”. 
 In January 2015 he assumed the role of Principal Associate Conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with whom he curates an annual series of concerts in London and tours both nationally and internationally. 
 Described as “a natural communicator both on and off the podium” (Daily Telegraph) Alexander works regularly with the leading orchestras of Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australasia. 
 He works with many thousands of young people a year in outreach projects and regularly gives informed and passionate pre- and post-concert talks on his programmes, as well as numerous interviews and podcasts on the role of classical music in society.