
Thursday, April 23, 2026 · 7:30 PM
Event Ax & Alexander Naples Philharmonic Masterworks Naples Philharmonic Alexander Shelley , artistic and music director Emanuel Ax , piano Barber — Adagio for Strings Mozart — Piano Concerto No. 22 Strauss — Also sprach Zarathustra Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax , celebrated for his insightful interpretations, diverse repertoire and engaging performances, joins Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley and the Naples Philharmonic for a program of emotionally charged and musically iconic works. The program opens with Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings , a work of profound intensity and aching beauty, heard at presidential funerals and made famous to modern audiences through its use in the Oscar-winning film Platoon . Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 follows, showcasing Ax's versatility in a work full of charm, clarity and unexpected interplay between piano and winds. Featured in the film Amadeus , the concerto also marked Mozart's first to include clarinets. The evening concludes with Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra , whose unforgettable opening fanfare—immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey —has become one of the most iconic musical moments in film history. Prelude at 6:30pm Join the conductor before the performance for an insightful 30-minute prelude discussion about the program. Music and Museum All Masterworks tickets include same-day admission to The Baker Museum . Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place . The Artistic and Music Director position is generously endowed by Sharon and Timothy Ubben. The April 23 performance is generously sponsored by Judy and Verne Istock. Tickets start at $29.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:30 PM
6:00 PM