Mathilde Handelsman
Recognized as an imaginative and unusual performer with refined interpretations, Mathilde Handelsman is a concert pianist, poet, and educator from Paris, France.
Handelsman's career as a soloist and collaborator has led her to perform across Europe and the United States under conductors such as Seiji Ozawa, Thomas Adès, Stefan Asbury, and Luigi Gaggero. Highlights from recent and current seasons include chamber performances alongside Yo-Yo Ma, Nicolas Namoradze, and Stephen Drury at the Tanglewood Music Festival, as well as a solo debut at Carnegie Hall in May 2022. Her début solo album Images (Sheva Collection, 2020) features Claude Debussy’s complete piano works of 1903-1907. She is currently working toward a recording for Sono Luminus of solo works by Schumann, Debussy, and Knussen.
Since 2020, Dr. Handelsman heads the keyboard area at the University of New Hampshire, currently as a Lecturer in Piano Performance and Director of the Piano Extension Program. She previously served on the piano faculty of the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy and the Young Pianists Program at Indiana University. Dr. Handelsman is an active member of MTNA and serves as the Vice-President of Competitions for the New Hampshire division.
Handelsman’s work as a poet includes two published volumes, Pré-sage (2016) and L’Absurde Génie des fleurs (2017).
Read the full length bio here.
Interview with Classical Music Communications
October 11, 2021
Interview with Classical Music Communications, in which Mathilde discusses the making and inspirations behind her Debussy album, "Images," and reflects on her time studying with Menahem Pressler.
Reviews and Appearances in the Press
Dernieres Nouvelles d'Alsace, 2013
New York Times (2019), in article about Tanglewood Music Festival.
Student Testimonials
"Dr. Handelsman has a clear vision for her students and has the experience and expertise to help that student achieve what they want and what they need to become a professional, higher level musician. After one year, she fast tracked my transition from a solo performer to a collaborative pianist. Her knowledge in both solo and collaborative works leaves nothing to be desired and her clear instruction helped me understand how to be a better pianist and accompanist. With Dr. Handelsman's careful instruction, I was able to attend Carnegie Mellon in pursuit of a Masters in Collaborative Piano. I have used what she has taught me countless times and am thankful for studying under her."
Joe Stevens, M.M. in Collaborative Piano candidate at Carnegie Mellon University
"Dr. H gives constructive and clear criticism during lessons, and genuinely cares about her students as people. During my time with Dr. H, I adjusted my technique to be more comfortable and expressive, and she broadened my horizons by teaching pieces outside of my comfort zone. In addition, when the time came, she helped me plan and perfect my college piano audition. Above all else, she activated my ear and taught me to really listen to what I’m playing. This has completely changed my approach and definitely helps me be a better musician. Overall, Dr. H is a fantastic teacher, and I had lots of fun working with her as a private student."
Mackenzie Renner, B.A. candidate at University of Southern Maine