COSTA MESA, Calif. — Alexander Shelley is set to take over as the music director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra starting in the 2026-27 season, succeeding Carl St. Clair, who has held the position for an impressive 35 years.

At 45 years of age, Shelley will be only the third individual to hold the title of music director since the orchestra’s inception, following founder Keith Clark, who served from 1979 to 1988, and St. Clair, who began his tenure in 1990 and turned 72 this past June. St. Clair is expected to transition to the position of music director laureate during the 2025-26 season.

Before officially stepping into his role, Shelley will carry the title of music director designate in the 2025-26 season. During this time, he is scheduled to conduct four subscription weeks, while St. Clair will lead three weeks. Starting with the 2026-27 season, Shelley will direct eight of the twelve classical subscription weeks, in addition to special events.

Since the pandemic, the orchestra has maintained a busy schedule, offering around 80-85 paid events each year. Their ticket revenues have remained stable at approximately $6.5 million annually over the past two seasons. It’s noteworthy that while single ticket sales reached a record high last season, subscription numbers have seen a decline, a trend mirrored among various arts organizations in the United States.

Alexander Shelley, born in London to accomplished pianists Hilary Macnamara and Howard Shelley, has held the position of music director for the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, Canada, since 2015. Prior to that, he served as chief conductor for the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra from 2009 to 2017. This season, he has also taken on roles as artistic and music director for Artis-Naples in Florida.