The internationally-renowned German-Colombian conductor Anna Handler to become new Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra

Anna Handler (Photo: Peter Rigaud)

The Ulster Orchestra has announced that German-Colombian conductor and pianist Anna Handler will be its new chief conductor. Handler will join the Orchestra from September 2026, initially on a three-year contract, in time for the Orchestra's 60th anniversary season.

In 2019/20 the Ulster Orchestra appointed Daniele Rustioni as its chief conductor and in 2022/23, marking the strength of the relationship, he was appointed the Orchestra’s music director. Rustioni held that position until May 2024, when he became music director Laureate, and Anna Handler will succeed him, taking up the position of chief conductor in September 2026.  

Last month, Handler her Boston Symphony Orchestra subscription series debut at short notice, with violinist Joshua Bell. Handler was Gustavo Dudamel Fellow at the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the 23/24 season and is currently Assistant Conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She also began her tenure as Kapellmeister of Deutsche Oper Berlin in September 2025 and she is scheduled to conduct eleven operas during her first season.  

Handler grew up in Munich and initially studied piano and conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich before continuing her studies at the Franz Liszt University of Music Weimar, the Accademia Pianistica Internazionale di Imola and the Folkwang University of the Arts. She completed her master's degree in conducting at the Juilliard School in New York in May 2023. At Juilliard, she was the first conductor ever to receive the prestigious Kovner Fellowship.  

Anna Handler’s first concert as chief conductor of the Ulster Orchestra will be the opening concert of the Orchestra’s 60th anniversary Season, in the Ulster Hall on Friday 25 September 2026. 

Full details from the Orchestra's website.