Community Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy

Commitment to community and direct engagement are at the core of David Handel’s artistic mission. His passion for sharing the unifying force of orchestral music is a central theme in his artistic persona and philosophy as a conductor, reaching out to new audiences and young musicians in many corners of the globe. From concerts for young audiences, interacting with university students, roundtable discussions with colleagues, master classes and mentoring, he is a frequent Cultural Specialist and inter-cultural advocate through Public Diplomacy programs.

Young People in Concert

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David Handel with Gregorio Bernal (narrator, left) and Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado (founding Director of KV265), on stage at the Santa Lucia International Festival in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
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Guadalquivir International Festival Orchestra
Tarija, Bolivia
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Selfie with Italivi Reynoso (child narrator, left) and Dr. Jose Francisco Salgado (right).
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La Serena, Chile
US Conductor Meets with Argentine Youth.   Founded in 1951, the “Julián Aguirre” conservatory provides music education on a variety of instruments and disciplines to students.  The school boasts over 2,800 alumni.  At the conservatory, Mr. Handel discussed his professional experience as a conductor with over 100 students and staff members, stating that being a conductor is very much an exercise in psychology.  “Members of the orchestra are each their own worlds, and as a conductor I have to bring those worlds together to create a unified sound.”  
United States Embassy, Buenos Aires

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Williamsville South High School, Buffalo, New York
US State Department, Bilateral Presidential Commission

US Embassy, Argentina

US Embassy, Chile

Youth Orchestra Foundation, Chile
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Bucharest Symphony Orchestra