John Storgårds to replace Alexander Shelley as head of NAC Orchestra

John Storgårds has been appointed the new music director for the NAC Orchestra. Storgårds has been the Principal Guest Conductor at the NAC Orchestra since 2015. (National Arts Centre/release)

Finnish conductor John Storgårds will be taking over from Alexander Shelley as the music director of the NAC Orchestra.

The National Arts Centre announced the appointment of Storgårds as its next music director on Wednesday morning, beginning with the 2026-27 season.

“I couldn’t be more honoured, happy, and thrilled to become Music Director of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, an orchestra I already love so deeply,” Storgårds said.

“When I look back at the highlights of each season, my concerts with the NAC Orchestra always stand out among the very best moments. Not only is it a fantastic orchestra, it is also a family of wonderful musicians and people, with whom I have felt a special bond from the very first time we worked together.”

Storgårds, a violinist, debuted with the NAC Orchestra in 2013, and has served as the Principal Guest Conductor since 2015. He currently serves as the Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.

“While John and the Orchestra have already established a strong relationship, there is so much excitement about the potential for further discovery and artistic growth,” Nelson McDougall, managing director of the NAC Orchestra, said in a statement.

“John is a steadfast supporter in areas where we are firmly committed, including professional development for young and emerging artists and nurturing new creation.”

The NAC says Storgårds has signed a four year contract to be the new NAC Orchestra music director, and will join the NAC Orchestra for six weeks during the 2026-27 season.

Storgårds is scheduled to lead the NAC Orchestra Nov. 26 and 27 for Hadelich Plays Barber performance.

Shelley will conclude his tenure as the NAC Orchestra’s music director next July after 11 years.