Anna Handler announced as new Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra

We are pleased to announce that Anna Handler has been appointed as assistant conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) for a two-year term commencing in September 2024.

BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons appointed Handler to the position, where she will join Samy Rachid, appointed in 2023, as one of the BSO’s two assistant conductors. Handler will assume her position following the departure of assistant conductor Earl Lee, whose appointment will conclude at the end of the 2024 Tanglewood season.

The young German-Colombian conductor will make her scheduled debut with the orchestra during the 2025 Tanglewood season, followed by concerts at Symphony Hall during the BSO’s 2025–26 season.

Anna Handler says: 

“It is an immense honor to be joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra as assistant conductor. The storied history and unique sound of this orchestra fascinate me, and I cannot wait to dive deep into the orchestra's approach to music. I greatly look forward to working with Music Director Andris Nelsons and the musicians and connecting with the community of Boston.” 

Andris Nelsons, Ray and Maria Stata BSO Music Director and Head of Conducting at Tanglewood comment: 

“The assistant conductors are an important part of our musical community here, and I’m very pleased to welcome Anna to our BSO family. We were very impressed with Anna’s maturity and ability to communicate with the orchestra, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”                                            

You can find the full BSO press release here.