The Hype Magazine | By Jerry Doby

IThe life of a classical music composer may not be at the forefront of anyone’s mind in this day and age however there are just some celebrations in music that are a must. When you have a classical talent such as David Handler whose daring creations juxtapose classical and electronic music into something that equates to Miles Davis’ explorations with Jazz, then you have to talk to them and see what’s up!!!

Back Story – The co-founder of the acclaimed downtown NYC music venue Le Poisson Rouge (aka LPR), David Handler is responsible for creating a one of a kind venue that now plays home to the city’s hottest contemporary classical musicians, as well as LPR’s very own Ensemble LPR (aka ELPR), of which he is the Artistic Director. Having recently celebrated the venue’s 11 year anniversary, David is stepping away from the day to day involvement and giving himself over to what was the catalyst for LPR in the first place – his deep, almost spiritual, pull to creativity through music.

A composer of acoustic and electronic music whose work has been heralded by The New York Times as “masterfully wrought,” David embarked on this new creative journey with the task of orchestrating the anniversary tour of Riceboy Sleeps, which played tours in Australia and Europe this past summer.

New York LIfestyles | By Bailey Beckett

It’s been 10 years since owner David Handler opened Le Poisson Rouge, a Village nightclub that brings under-the-radar classical and jazz talents to the New York stage. And yet rather than bask in the memories, the musical impresario is looking onward. Handler announced this summer he’s stepping back from day-to-day management of the venue, which the New York Times called a “forward-thinking venue that seeks to showcase disparate music styles under one roof,” to concentrate on writing and performing music rather than booking it.

His first project will be a collaboration with Jónsi and Alex Somers, of the group Sigur Ros, where he is going to rework and write their 2009 album Riceboy Sleeps. Handler, who is also a classically trained violinist (he graduated from the Manhattan School of Music) is also simultaneously making a solo album of his own. The news of Handler’s new role has not gone unnoticed. Once called the “Ian Schrager of the music scene” by the New Yorker, he is synonymous with bringing an impeccable curation to the nightclub stage, having hosted talents as varied as Thom Yorke, Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Lady Gaga, Iggy Pop, Lorde, Beck and Philip Glass among many others. On the eve of his transition, Handler, who made Le Poisson Rouge the coolest place to listen to contemporary music, talks to New York Lifestyles about the decision and his plans for the future.

WWD | By Maxine Wally on July 5, 2019

David Handler is refocusing on his music. Up first, an international tour rewriting Jónsi and Alex Somers' 2009 album "Riceboy Sleeps" for the orchestra.

This is how Handler, a classically trained musician who started his career composing and then opened New York City music venue Le Poisson Rouge, has realized he must live his life. It’s a recent revelation, and one that’s led him to step away from performing the day-to-day tasks of the business side at LPR.

After 11 years overseeing the operations of its in-house orchestra, Ensemble LPR, Handler is leaving to focus on creating music.

The Clyde Fitch Report | July 25, 2019

“Stepping away” is not how David Handler, co-founder of Greenwich Village’s acclaimed music venue Le Poisson Rouge, characterizes his return to full-time composing.

He readily admits to remaining deeply involved in what everyone calls LPR.

He’s also quick to stress that he was a musician and composer of acoustic and electronic music long before the idea of creating a “disruptor venue” for music first came to mind. And he is reluctantly aware that, as a producer and venue owner, he has already claimed the mantle of innovator.

In September 2019, our generation's most revered composer brings his collaboration with two indigenous Wixarika musicians to New York City's Le Poisson Rouge. Philip Glass sits down with composer and LPR co-founder David Handler to discuss how 'Spirit of the Earth' came to be and what attendees of the two sold-out shows can expect.