Alexander Shelley

Principal Conductor Alexander Shelley and National Symphony Orchestra Ireland welcome soloist Jess Gillam for the second of two special ‘Culture Night’ performances

Principal Conductor Alexander Shelley and National Symphony Orchestra Ireland open their subscription season with Mahler’s epic 2nd Symphony

Principal Conductor Alexander Shelley and National Symphony Orchestra Ireland welcome soloist Jess Gillam for the first of two special ‘Culture Night’ performances

Alexander Shelley conducts Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Elgar’s Violin Concerto with the Gstaad Festival Orchestra with soloist Daniel Hope at the Menuhin Festival Gstaad

Alexander Shelley and the Pacific Symphony are joined by Renee Fleming and violin duo Hina&Fiona at Festival Napa Valley

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by violinist Karen Gomyo for a program featuring Piazzolla and Brahms at Artis-Naples.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by violinist Karen Gomyo for a program featuring Piazzolla and Brahms at Artis-Naples.

Alexander Shelley and Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra are joined by Canadian pianist Jayden Izik-Dzurko for a programme featuring Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Piano Concerto, Stravinsky’s complete Firebird and John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine.

Alexander Shelley returns to Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra to lead Schumann’s epic secular oratorio in his first concert as Principal Conductor Designate.

Alexander Shelley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra present Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel and Rosenkavalier Suites, the European premiere of Joe Hisaishi’s Sinfonia for Chamber Orchestra and are joined by violinists Midori for Sibelius’s Violin Concerto.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by Gabriela Montero to open their 2025/2026 season at Artis-Naples with a celebration of American composers. Music by Jessie Montgomery, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Tan Dun and Rachmaninoff is on the program,.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by Gabriela Montero to open their 2025/2026 season at Artis-Naples with a celebration of American composers. Music by Jessie Montgomery, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Tan Dun and Rachmaninoff is on the program,.

With a program themed around cinema, Alexander Shelley and the RSNO are joined by James Ehnes to perform music by Mahler, Barber, Richard Strauss and the European Premiere of James Newton-Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2

With a program themed around cinema, Alexander Shelley and the RSNO are joined by James Ehnes to perform music by Mahler, Barber, Richard Strauss and the European Premiere of James Newton-Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2

With a program themed around cinema, Alexander Shelley and the RSNO are joined by James Ehnes to perform music by Mahler, Barber, Richard Strauss and the European Premiere of James Newton-Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2

Alexander Shelley performs Anna Clyne’s Midnight Hour, Schumann Piano Concerto (with soloist David Fray) and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony with the Dortmund Philharmoniker at the Konzerthaus Dortmund.

Alexander Shelley performs Anna Clyne’s Midnight Hour, Schumann Piano Concerto (with soloist David Fray) and Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony with the Dortmund Philharmoniker at the Konzerthaus Dortmund.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by Karen Slack for the world premiere of the Artis–Naples commissioned ‘African Queens’. Continuing the season-long celebration of American music, the program also features Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral and Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by Karen Slack for the world premiere of the Artis–Naples commissioned ‘African Queens’. Continuing the season-long celebration of American music, the program also features Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral and Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by piano star Daniil Trifonov performing Saint-Saens 2ns Piano Concerto in a concert that also features the world premiere of Raven Chacon’s Artis–Naples commissioned work ‘Inscriptions II’ as well as Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony ‘Eroica’.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by piano star Daniil Trifonov performing Saint-Saens 2ns Piano Concerto in a concert that also features the world premiere of Raven Chacon’s Artis–Naples commissioned work ‘Inscriptions II’ as well as Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony ‘Eroica’.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by the Miah Persson, Dame Sarah Connolly and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus for Mahler’s 2nd Symphony ‘Resurrection’.

Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic are joined by the Miah Persson, Dame Sarah Connolly and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus for Mahler’s 2nd Symphony ‘Resurrection’.

Joshua Bell joins Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic for this concert that features ‘The Elements’ written for Joshua by Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer, Jennifer Higdon, Jake Heggie and Jessie Montgomery. Also on the program, Wynton Marsalis’s ‘Herald, Holler and Hallelujah’ and Stravinsky’s iconic ‘Rite of Spring’.

Joshua Bell joins Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic for this concert that features ‘The Elements’ written for Joshua by Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer, Jennifer Higdon, Jake Heggie and Jessie Montgomery. Also on the program, Wynton Marsalis’s ‘Herald, Holler and Hallelujah’ and Stravinsky’s iconic ‘Rite of Spring’.

Joshua Bell joins Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic for this concert that features ‘The Elements’ written for Joshua by Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer, Jennifer Higdon, Jake Heggie and Jessie Montgomery. Also on the program, Wynton Marsalis’s ‘Herald, Holler and Hallelujah’ and Stravinsky’s iconic ‘Rite of Spring’.

Emanuel Ax returns to Naples Philharmonic for this program inspired by music in film. Barber’s Adagio (used in Oliver Stone’s ‘Platoon’), Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 (Amadeus) and Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra (1001 Space Odyssey) are featured works.

Emanuel Ax returns to Naples Philharmonic for this program inspired by music in film. Barber’s Adagio (used in Oliver Stone’s ‘Platoon’), Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 (Amadeus) and Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra (1001 Space Odyssey) are featured works.

Artistic Partner James Ehnes returns to Naples, continuing the theme of music in film with James Newton Howard’s latest Violin Concerto No. 2. Also on the program: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (of Fantasia fame), the Adagietto from Mahler’s 5th Symphony (Death in Venice), Korngold’s film music to Robin Hood and Gershwin’s score for Porgy and Bess.

Artistic Partner James Ehnes returns to Naples, continuing the theme of music in film with James Newton Howard’s latest Violin Concerto No. 2. Also on the program: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (of Fantasia fame), the Adagietto from Mahler’s 5th Symphony (Death in Venice), Korngold’s film music to Robin Hood and Gershwin’s score for Porgy and Bess.

Alexander Shelley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform at the Windsor Autumn Festival at Windsor Castle. Glinka’s bright Overture to Russian and Ludmilla, Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony and Sibelius’s 2nd Symphony are on the programme.

Join prizewinning author Margaret Atwood for an insightful conversation as she discusses her career in writing and the creation of Songs for Murdered Sisters, her poignant set of recent poems that were set to music by composer Jake Heggie. Atwood will be joined by Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen and Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley as they discuss the profound impact of this work, which will be performed later in the month by the Naples Philharmonic. Conducted by Alexander and featuring vocals by baritone Joshua Hopkins — brother of one of the women whose death inspired these poems (and music) — this powerful piece is inspired by a deeply personal tragedy.

This concert is about the music that comes when we long for home. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony captures the energetic elements of music he heard in America, dosed with a heartfelt nostalgia for his homeland. The result is one of the warmest celebrations of looking forwards and back. It’s no surprise that a recording of this symphony even made its way onto Apollo XI. Raymond Yiu’s Violin Concerto meditates on exile, inspired by the life of composer Ma Sicong, who fled China to build a new life in the U.S. And in his Romanian Folk Dances, Bartók finds inspiration in authentic regional folk music.

This concert is about the music that comes when we long for home. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony captures the energetic elements of music he heard in America, dosed with a heartfelt nostalgia for his homeland. The result is one of the warmest celebrations of looking forwards and back. It’s no surprise that a recording of this symphony even made its way onto Apollo XI. Raymond Yiu’s Violin Concerto meditates on exile, inspired by the life of composer Ma Sicong, who fled China to build a new life in the U.S. And in his Romanian Folk Dances, Bartók finds inspiration in authentic regional folk music.

Pianist and improvisational virtuosa Gabriela Montero joins the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a performance of Prokofiev’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 3. Also on the program are Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel and Rosenkavalier Suite, as well as Mozart’s Paris Symphony.

Pianist and improvisational virtuosa Gabriela Montero joins the Naples Philharmonic under the direction of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a performance of Prokofiev’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 3. Also on the program are Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel and Rosenkavalier Suite, as well as Mozart’s Paris Symphony.

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

A highlight of the season, these concerts bring together the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden, as well as a performance of Anna Clyne’s Color Fields.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

Alexander Shelley returns to Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra, joined by soloist Simone Lamsma for a programme of Brahms and Schumann in Galway.

Alexander Shelley returns to Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra, joined by soloist Simone Lamsma for a programme of Brahms and Schumann in Dublin.

Alexander returns to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with a selection of early 20th Century music. Both of Price’s Violin Concertos were found in a box as recently as 2009, and are finally getting the love they deserve. Randall Goosby is the perfect champion of the beautiful Concerto No.2. Stravinsky’s brilliant Firebird weaves an incredible tale of wizards, princesses and a magical bird. And just sit back and adore Price’s Adoration.

Alexander makes his debut with Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Orchestra at Orchestra Hall in a program featuring Yan-Pascal Tortelier’s orchestration of Ravel’s Trio, Debussy’s La Mer and Lili Boulanger’s D’un Matin de Printemps.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

This season’s Storytelling theme delves into deeper emotions in this Masterworks program as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley has crafted a deeply moving experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

This season’s Storytelling theme delves into deeper emotions in this Masterworks program as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley has crafted a deeply moving experience that will not be forgotten any time soon.

A look at the background of the three pieces to be performed should give patrons an idea of what’s in store: Lili Boulanger was 24 and dying of tuberculosis when she wrote D’un soir triste (On a Sad Evening). Jake Heggie composed Songs for Murdered Sisters specifically for this evening’s special guest, Joshua Hopkins, a baritone whose sister was one of three Canadian women murdered by the same man in 2015. And Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony tricks us into believing the gloom of the symphony’s beginning is about to clear, only to shatter expectations. Is the piece expressing the guilt and shame over taboo desires the composers could not suppress, or was he simply battling another bout of depression?

In this highly anticipated program, Fleming joins the Naples Philharmonic to perform Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene, inspired by her recent Grammy-winning solo album exploring the peril and fragility of the natural world. An original film by the National Geographic Society accompanies a portion of the program, creating an unforgettable multimedia experience that spans the classical, romantic and contemporary eras, with music ranging from Handel to Björk.

This year’s Storytelling theme again comes into focus with this musical program about fairy tales, a soldier’s seduction and abandonment, memories of the sea and whether music has a scent. Join Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley, the Naples Philharmonic and the expert precision of special guest pianist Javier Perianes as they retell the stories we love through music.

This year’s Storytelling theme again comes into focus with this musical program about fairy tales, a soldier’s seduction and abandonment, memories of the sea and whether music has a scent. Join Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley, the Naples Philharmonic and the expert precision of special guest pianist Javier Perianes as they retell the stories we love through music.

Experience the unique artistry of Colombian-Canadian choreographer Andrea Peña, noted for her meticulous conceptual creations and ability to foster deep dialogue between the body and materiality.

With UAQUE, Peña creates a dialogue between disciplines of dance, visual arts and music as Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley conducts the Naples Philharmonic. In the background, artist and photographer Edward Burtynsky’s astonishing images paint a fascinating self-portrait of our planet, illustrating the duality between beauty and the environmental crisis. Ten dancers, in tension and conversation with these images, create a moment suspended in time — one in which humanity and nature are united.

This evocative performance asks us to slow down and contemplate a sustainable future, leaving a glimmer of hope in the dancers’ wake.

This dream of a program features the world premiere of a new work by Kazakh composer Meilina Tsui, artistic partner and violinist James Ehnes joining the orchestra under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a run through Mendelssohn’s lyrical and popular Violin Concerto before the orchestra concludes with Mendelssohn’s evocative, energetic and magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream narrated and acted by Tama Matheson.

This dream of a program features the world premiere of a new work by Kazakh composer Meilina Tsui, artistic partner and violinist James Ehnes joining the orchestra under the baton of Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley for a run through Mendelssohn’s lyrical and popular Violin Concerto before the orchestra concludes with Mendelssohn’s evocative, energetic and magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream narrated and acted by Tama Matheson.

Timeless melodies and profound emotions are on offer as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Guildford with a double bill of Beethoven, under the baton of their Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley.

Daniel Lebhardt joins the Orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5, the ‘Emperor’, a monumental work of breathtaking grandeur which soars with passion and intensity, before a colossal finale with Beethoven’s enduring Fifth Symphony. From possibly the most iconic opening motif of any classical piece to the triumphant finale, this masterwork will stir your soul and leave you awestruck.

Mendelssohn was similarly moved by a trip to Scotland where he visited the Fingal’s Cave with its legend of giants and destroyed castles. His Hebrides Overture captures all of the mythical and misty atmosphere of that special place and opens tonight’s concert.

The RPO’s Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley has been called ‘a natural communicator’ – and tonight he has a joyous story to tell. He kicks off with the whirlwind energy and homespun high-spirits of Smetana’s irresistible comedy overture. He finishes with the blazing trumpets and big, sunlit melodies of Brahms’ Second and happiest symphony – it was written while the composer was on his summer holidays, and you can tell! In between, we’re making musical history, with the first UK performance of a new piano concerto written by the Hungarian sonic conjuror Peter Eötvös in homage to György Cziffra, a family friend of the composer who survived communist brutality to become one of the 20th century’s most dazzling pianists. It’s played by János Balázs, who gave the world premiere in Paris, in 2021.

Joining the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander for his first concert as Music Director is Sony Classical recording artist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, who has been called the global ambassador of Spanish guitar by Billboard magazine and is often referred to as the successor to Andrés Segovia. Audiences will experience contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s all-new Guitar Concerto, specifically written for Sáinz-Villegas and co-commissioned by Artis—Naples. Another contemporary piece titled Kauyumari by Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz kicks off the night, while Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s vividly colorful Pictures at an Exhibition concludes the evening.

Joining the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander for his first concert as Music Director is Sony Classical recording artist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, who has been called the global ambassador of Spanish guitar by Billboard magazine and is often referred to as the successor to Andrés Segovia. Audiences will experience contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’s all-new Guitar Concerto, specifically written for Sáinz-Villegas and co-commissioned by Artis—Naples. Another contemporary piece titled Kauyumari by Latin Grammy-nominated Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz kicks off the night, while Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s vividly colorful Pictures at an Exhibition concludes the evening.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley. The Chorus first performed this legendary work during its debut on October 25, 1984, at Boettcher Concert Hall. Nearly 40 years to the day, they breathe new life into Verdi’s compassionate projection of essential human emotions — devotion, agitation, and hope. A personal, reverent, and poignant tribute to Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s transcendent Requiem remains one of the most cherished choral works of all time.

Alexander Shelley and Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra are joined by soloist Danielle de Niese for a programme featuring Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel and Rosenkavalier Suite alongside Mozart’s Paris Symphony and a selection of concert arias.

Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley returns to continue an exploration of the life and times of George Gershwin in a program showcasing a range of musical styles. Opening with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, the program also includes Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, an Artis—Naples co-commission featuring saxophonist extraordinaire Jess Gillam. Ravel’s La valse and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite round out the program.

Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley returns to continue an exploration of the life and times of George Gershwin in a program showcasing a range of musical styles. Opening with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, the program also includes Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, an Artis—Naples co-commission featuring saxophonist extraordinaire Jess Gillam. Ravel’s La valse and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite round out the program.

Conducting his first Naples Philharmonic Masterworks performance since his appointment as Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley leads an emotionally intense program beginning and ending with some of Richard Strauss’ finest works: Don Juan and Death and Transfiguration as well as Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring virtuoso Blake Pouliot, and Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem.

Conducting his first Naples Philharmonic Masterworks performance since his appointment as Artistic and Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley leads an emotionally intense program beginning and ending with some of Richard Strauss’ finest works: Don Juan and Death and Transfiguration as well as Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring virtuoso Blake Pouliot, and Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem.

Join the Naples Philharmonic and Alexander Shelley in his first concert since being named artistic and music director designate. This special night will be a true “overture” to Alexander’s new role and will feature beloved classical favorites and lesser-known gems including Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Strauss’ Overture to Die Fledermaus and Joan Tower’s Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.

Soprano Janice Chandler-Eteme delivers the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy and poet Robert Frost in a new co-commissioned work by Adolphus Hailstork titled JFK: The Last Speech. On his return to Indianapolis Symphony Alexander Shelley bookends the new work with Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman #6 and concludes the program with Brahms’ triumphant First Symphony.