Ulster Orchestra appoints ‘internationally-renowned' Anna Handler as new Chief Conductor
The Ulster Orchestra has appointed ‘internationally-renowned German-Colombian maestro’ Anna Handler as its new Chief Conductor, from September 2026.
Handler is a former Gustavo Dudamel Fellow and current Assistant Conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She began her tenure as Kapellmeister of Deutsche Oper Berlin in September 2025.
Auveen Sands, Ulster Orchestra Chief Executive and Patrick McCarthy, Artistic Director, said in a statement: “Of Anna’s many remarkable qualities, her ability to genuinely connect with musicians and audiences is what makes this such an exciting appointment.
“That ability was immediately evident in a recent concert in Derry~Londonderry’s Guildhall, bringing a new energy and collaborative spirit to the Ulster Orchestra’s superb music making.
"We’ve already agreed on some exciting and deeply meaningful programmes for next year, and can’t wait to share them with audiences in Northern Ireland, and beyond.”
Reflecting on the appointment, Ms Handler said: "Over the next three years, we’ll ask what it means to be an orchestra that belongs to now: alive, questioning, connected. Every phrase a conversation, every silence a choice.
"We’ll play as if it were the first or the last time because real music doesn’t perform; it becomes. I feel deeply honoured to lead this journey together with the Ulster Orchestra musicians and team.
"I feel grateful for their trust to have been chosen as their new chief conductor – a responsibility I carry with joy and curiosity."