Meet the 30-year-old who’s the Ulster Orchestra’s new principal conductor – The Irish Times
The Ulster Orchestra has appointed 30-year-old Anna Handler as its new chief conductor, a move that coincides with the ensemble’s 60th anniversary and a significant generational shift in its roster. Handler, a Juilliard-trained conductor and pianist born in France and raised in Munich, begins an initial three-year tenure, succeeding a line of predecessors that includes Daniele Rustioni.
Did You Know? The Ulster Orchestra’s search for a new leader spanned two years, a period described by artistic director Patrick McCarthy as “destabilising” for the ensemble’s brand and identity.
A New Direction for the Ulster Orchestra
The appointment of Handler follows the departure of Daniele Rustioni, who served as the orchestra’s charismatic leader until May 2024 and has since been named music-director laureate. According to Patrick McCarthy, the organization’s artistic director and deputy chief executive, the transition was necessary to restore a sense of focus to the ensemble. McCarthy noted that the orchestra had been relying on guest conductors for two years, which he described as “exhausting” for the musicians.
Handler, who currently serves as kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin and assistant conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, plans to bring a “unified message” to her new role. She emphasizes a collaborative approach to performance, stating that while she arrives with a clear interpretation of a piece, she values the input and “youthful energy” of the musicians.
Expert Insight: The transition from a series of guest conductors to a permanent chief conductor is a critical step in re-establishing a “house style.” By securing a multi-year commitment from a conductor of Handler’s background, the orchestra aims to move past the instability of the last two years and leverage a younger, more responsive demographic of players to define its next chapter.
Programming and Future Goals
Handler’s first season will prioritize the 60th anniversary of the orchestra and the upcoming 200th anniversary of Beethoven. The opening concert on September 25, 2026, will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, with subsequent performances including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
The conductor also intends to focus on contemporary voices and connections with younger audiences. She plans to incorporate works by composers such as Grace-Evangeline Mason and bring in mentors like John Adams to conduct in Belfast. Handler’s goal is to increase youth participation on stage, noting that “if we want to have young people in the audience, then we should have young people participating on stage.”
What May Happen Next
Following the conclusion of her current commitments in Berlin, Boston, and Bonn, Handler is expected to deepen her focus on the Ulster Orchestra’s development. Given her three-year contract with an option to extend, the orchestra’s success during this period will likely depend on how effectively she integrates her signature programming with the ensemble’s existing identity. The organization may also see increased visibility as Handler works to establish a new house style and formalizes her planned collaborations with high-profile composers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new chief conductor of the Ulster Orchestra?
Anna Handler, a 30-year-old conductor and pianist who studied at the University of Music and Theatre in Munich and the Juilliard School in New York, has been appointed to the role.
How long is Anna Handler’s contract?
Her contract is initially for a three-year tenure, with an option to extend the agreement.
When does the new season begin?
The 2026-27 season begins on Friday, September 25, 2026. Tickets for the season go on sale on Friday, June 19.
What aspects of the new programming are you most looking forward to seeing on stage in Belfast?