EP. 46: Anna Handler
EP 46: Anna Handler — I’m Not Looking For Perfection.
Today's Guest
Anna Handler is a 29-year-old German-Colombian conductor and pianist currently serving as Kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and incoming Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. She's worked with the LA Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and orchestras around the world, and was the first conductor ever to receive the prestigious Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard.
Episode Description
In this conversation, we dig into what really happens on both sides of the audition screen, from Anna's experience taking auditions herself to now working with orchestras worldwide. We talk about visualization techniques, the power of "acting as if you've already won," what people are actually listening for beyond technical perfection, navigating the industry as a woman, and why the future of classical music depends on technology, youth engagement, and breaking down walls. Anna also shares her work with refugee musicians and why she believes classical music can be like a church — a place where we find solace.
This Episode Is Brought to You By
Yamaha Corporation of America — Bringing world-class craftsmanship to musicians at every level, from beginners to marquee players in symphony orchestras around the world.
HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — A community of musicians who share the same passion, deal with the same challenges, and actually get what you're going through. Monthly coaching, real talk, and support for musicians serious about growth. Learn more at honestypill.com/acceleratorcommunity
In This Episode We Discuss:
Growing up with engineer parents "obsessed with math" and how Anna and her sister both ended up in music
The path from piano to podium and winning the first-ever Kovner Fellowship for conducting at Juilliard
What it's like to be a Dudamel Fellow with the LA Philharmonic
Why Anna sometimes conducts from the piano and what it gives her musically
Taking auditions as a young musician vs. evaluating musicians now — what's actually being assessed
The biggest mistakes musicians make in auditions (hint: it's not about perfection)
Visualization and mental performance: acting as if you've already won the job
The "pretend to be asleep" principle — how everything in life works this way
What people are really listening for: personality, fire, love for music
Navigating the classical music world as a woman — the industry is "woefully behind"
Finding mentors who believe in you and the importance of supportive communities
Youth projects and working with refugee musicians on Eva und Adam at Bayerische Staatsoper
What young musicians teach professionals that we sometimes forget
Technology and the future of classical music — why we can't keep doing the same concerts for 300 years
What the next generation of concertgoers actually wants
Why classical music can be like a church: a place where we find solace
The hard truth: keep fighting for music, for the sake of inviting more people in
Memorable Quotes
"I'm not looking for perfection. I'm looking for personality. And I want to see fire. I want to see love for life, for music. Because life is hard enough. We need to find some kind of joy, some hope every day."
"If I had already won this audition, how would I walk on this stage? I wouldn't show up to prove myself. Maybe I would show up to express. I don't have to prove my worth to anybody. I can just show how much I love this music and who I am."
"Think about this: if you want to go to sleep, the first thing you have to do is climb into bed and pretend to be asleep. Everything in life kind of works like that."
"Classical music can be like a church. We find solace there."
"Keep fighting for music. For the sake of inviting more people into our audience halls and making them feel welcome."
Links & Resources
Anna Handler's Website — Concert schedule and more
Follow Anna on social media for updates on her work around the world
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