Anna Handler has been named Kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

She will assume the role for the 2025-26 season, where she is set to lead 11 different opera performances in her debut year with the company.

A German-Colombian conductor and pianist, Handler previously held the title of Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In September 2024, she started her first season as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Handler's career has included performances at prestigious venues like the Salzburg Festival and Bayerische Staatsoper. She has also conducted the Minnesota Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, and Berlin Philharmonic.

She completed her studies at the Franz Liszt University and later earned a master's degree in conducting from the Juilliard School.

Handler is known for her dynamic approach to both opera and orchestral music, earning recognition for her innovative programming and strong leadership. Her work with international ensembles has demonstrated her versatility and deep understanding of a wide range of musical styles.

In addition to her conducting accomplishments, Handler is a skilled pianist, often incorporating her piano expertise into her work as a conductor. Her dual training in performance and conducting has allowed her to develop a unique musical perspective, blending technical precision with expressive interpretation.

With her appointment at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Handler joins a legacy of distinguished conductors, and her upcoming season is highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike. Her work is expected to bring a fresh energy to the company’s productions, and her growing international profile underscores her emerging status as one of the leading conductors of her generation.