Naples Philharmonic Added Six New Musicians
The ensemble expanded its roster with new talent and three internal promotions for the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Classical
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Artis-Naples has appointed six new musicians to join the Naples Philharmonic for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The organization also announced three internal promotions among current orchestra members.
Why it matters
These appointments and promotions are intended to support the continued artistic growth of the Naples Philharmonic. The new musicians were selected based on their orchestral experience and academic backgrounds.
The Philharmonic added 6 new musicians, including three violinists, while promoting 3 current members to new leadership roles. These positions were filled under the direction of Alexander Shelley.
The players
Alexander Shelley
He serves as the Sharon and Timothy Ubben Artistic and Music Director of the Naples Philharmonic.
Naples Philharmonic
It is a professional orchestra based at the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus in Naples, Florida.
The details
The new members include violinists Alex Heidt, Jesús Linárez, and Myles Mocarski, cellist Ryan Babe, bassist Ricardo Alberto Puche Bravo, and assistant principal horn Melvin Cortez Jackson. Additionally, Daniela Shtéreva, Davis Pierson, and Matthew Medlock received internal promotions to new chairs within the orchestra.
Timeline
New musicians will perform with the Naples Philharmonic throughout the 2026-27 season.
Industry Dynamics
Orchestras across the country are currently balancing the need for roster renewal with efforts to maintain institutional stability. These appointments reflect a broader trend of major ensembles investing in both emerging talent and long-term internal development.
Patrons can expect to see these new and promoted musicians perform during the upcoming season at the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus. These changes provide the audience with a refreshed ensemble lineup for the scheduled 2026-27 concert performances.
The takeaway
The addition of new musical talent strengthens the ensemble's ability to tackle complex repertoires in the upcoming year. Audience members interested in the orchestra can monitor future concert programming to hear these new and promoted musicians in action.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene in Naples Classical.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Weekly -.
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