Catherine Van Handel (’15) Named Assistant Principal Bassoon of The Cleveland Orchestra

The Taiwanese-born bassoonist joins the orchestra in January 2026, following eight years as principal bassoon of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

We’re delighted to congratulate Catherine Van Handel (Bassoon ’15) on her appointment as assistant principal bassoon position of The Cleveland Orchestra (TCO). She begins her new position immediately.

Van Handel joins TCO from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where she served as principal bassoon for eight years. Prior to that, she held a tenured position as associate principal bassoon with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and was principal bassoon of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

“I’m filled with immense gratitude and excitement as I step into this new chapter,” Van Handel said in a recent press release. “[I will be] making music with the very musicians who have inspired me throughout my life. Joining The Cleveland Orchestra is an extraordinary honor.”

Learn more about Catherine as an artist and educator, and what lies ahead in her new role with TCO.