Alexander Shelley to become Pacific Symphony Orchestra music director for 2026-27 season

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Alexander Shelley will become music director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra for the 2026-27 season following the 35-year tenure of Carl St. Clair. The 45-year-old will be just the third music director for the orchestra after founder Keith Clark and St. Clair, who started in 1990 and turned 72 in June. St. Clair will become music director laureate in 2025-26. Shelley will have the title of music director designate in 2025-26 before starting a five-year contract as music director. He will conduct four subscription weeks in 2025-26, and St. Clair three.