On September 24th, 2026, in his inaugural concert as Pacific Symphony’s Artistic & Music Director, Alexander Shelley welcomes GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell – an extraordinary artist whose artistry, influence, and unmistakable sound have made him one of the most celebrated musicians of our time.
Bell has performed with nearly every major orchestra in the world and continues to headline prestigious international tours. Beyond his acclaimed career as a soloist, he serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony, Music Director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Founder and Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra of America.
His artistry extends far beyond the concert hall. Through an ongoing partnership with Embertone, Bell launched the Joshua Bell Virtual Violin, bringing the sound of his celebrated instrument into the digital world for composers and creators. He has also embraced emerging technology through a collaboration with Sony PlayStation 4 VR, featuring a 360-degree VR performance alongside pianist Sam Haywood. You may also know the story of The Red Violin, and his subway experiment.
For a deeper look into Bell’s perspective on music, watch his April 2025 TED Talk, 300 Years of Classical Music in 18 Minutes. In it, he reflects on the enduring power of classical music and its ability to create connections between people who might otherwise seem worlds apart. Listeners can even hear a preview of Kevin Puts’ “Earth” from The Elements, which is featured on Pacific Symphony’s program on September 24th.
Bell has long been an advocate for keeping classical music vibrant and relevant. In a conversation with Tom Power available here on Youtube, he offers a compelling reminder of why the art form continues to matter. Classical music endures because, like great literature, it continues to speak across generations.
That may be the most compelling reason to experience Bell live: great music communicates what words cannot. Through beauty, complexity, and emotional depth, it connects us to experiences that are fundamentally human. Bell believes that great music transcends boundaries of age, culture, and background, inviting listeners into a shared emotional experience.
And on September 24, that connection takes on added significance. This performance marks the first concert of Alexander Shelley’s inaugural season as Artistic & Music Director of Pacific Symphony, bringing together two extraordinary artists for a milestone evening of music, discovery, and connection.
Joshua Bell. Alexander Shelley. Pacific Symphony. Opening night of a new era.
It’s a performance not to be missed.
The Author:
Liz Butler is a writer and arts advocate who believes classical music becomes more meaningful when its stories are shared. Writing from her perspective as both a musician and a member of Pacific Symphony’s marketing team, she aims to make orchestral music approachable for new audiences while highlighting the educational, community, and artistic work that happens beyond the stage.
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