BSO Appoints Anna Handler as New Assistant Conductor to Start in 2024-25 Season

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is pleased to announce that Anna Handler has been appointed as assistant conductor 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; Lee will make his final scheduled appearance conducting the BSO with soloist Yo-Yo Ma on Sunday, August 18. 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.

Quote from Anna Handler, newly named assistant conductor:

“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.”

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

“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.”

For more information, download the complete press release.